Space, ‘Europe’s largest permanent esport and gaming venue’ will launch in Stockholm, Sweden in 2021 and will include a gaming center, a multi-purpose arena, content creation and music studios, restaurants and cafes.
Space was founded by Gustav Käll, Per Sundin and Lars Blomberg, industry veterans who bring years of experience from the gaming, music and media industries.
The main investor is ABBA branding company Pop House Sweden, where Björn Ulvéus and Conni Jonsson are majority owners.
Sundin, one of the most respected label executives working in the Nordics, stepped down from his dual role at Universal Music Group to become CEO of Pop House Group on September 1.
The arena is a key element of the Space concept, according to the press release announcing the news, with the purpose of the venue intended to host music performances, esports tournaments, game launch events and conferences.
Co-working space will also be built into the concept over time, ‘allowing for start-up companies to develop business models in close proximity to the audience’.
Space will boast approximately 5,000 square meters of customized entertainment experiences across three levels.
The gaming center will feature over 500 ‘fully equipped stations’ in an open and varied environment, making it one of the biggest permanent gaming venues in the world.
The content creation hub will include music, podcast and video studios for digital media production.
Meanwhile, the venue will play host to live performances in the arena, pop-up gigs and studio sessions, as well as production workshops and audio engineering classes.
Space will be in one of the most well-known, centrally located buildings in Sweden: Building 5.
AMF Fastigheter, one of Sweden’s largest commercial real estate developers says that it ‘is committed to evolving the area into a major cultural and creative hub’.
“We aim to create a place for digital culture that connects human beings, a world where everyone can thrive in their creativity and have a stronger sense of belonging.”
Gustav Käll, Space
Gustav Käll, CEO and co-founder of Space said: “At Space we strive to inspire and uplift communities, motivating the next generation.
“We aim to create a place for digital culture that connects human beings, a world where everyone can thrive in their creativity and have a stronger sense of belonging.”
Mats Hederos, CEO of AMF Fastigheter, added:“We’re thrilled that Space is joining us at Building 5. The area is continuing to evolve as a hub for culture, creativity and community engagement.
“Space will play a vital role as this location continues to blossom into a vibrant city space for everyone who lives in and visits Stockholm.”
“Space will serve as a leeway to transform culture and society at large, a place where beliefs, ideas and attitudes collide in a unifying force that will reset the status quo and transform tomorrow for generations to come.”
Per Sundin, Pop House
Per Sundin, CEO Pop House and co-founder of Space, said: “Sweden has a long history in leading tech and music innovations and providing a vibrant scene for the next generation.
“Space will serve as a leeway to transform culture and society at large, a place where beliefs, ideas and attitudes collide in a unifying force that will reset the status quo and transform tomorrow for generations to come.”
“Space Stockholm, with its unique location at the heart of Sweden’s capital, is poised to become a cultural landmark – not only for the city, but for the entire country.”
Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm
Anna König Jerlmyr, Mayor of Stockholm, added: “Space Stockholm, with its unique location at the heart of Sweden’s capital, is poised to become a cultural landmark – not only for the city, but for the entire country.
“It promises a bright future for Sergels Torg by creating a modern, progressive hub for digital culture.”Music Business Worldwide