Construction of Torsby's new central kitchen at Stjerneskolan began on 9 September. The 1,500-square-metre facility is designed to prepare up to 2,500 meals a day and operate during emergencies and war through adapted power and energy systems. Opening is planned for the 2027/2028 year-end, when the kitchen at Torsby hospital will close.
What happened?
A ceremonial ground-breaking marked the start of construction. The central kitchen is being built as an extension at Stjerneskolan, with Peab Sverige as main contractor under a collaborative contract with the municipality. It will supply meals to preschools, schools, elderly care and Torsby hospital.
Capacity is stated as up to 2,500 portions a day. That describes planned maximum production, not a promise that this number will be prepared every day from opening. The kitchen will cover about 1,500 square metres and is described by the municipality as Värmland's second-largest central kitchen.
Location
Torsby, Värmlands län
Impact and significance
The building will have adapted electricity and energy systems so food production and distribution can continue during societal disruption. This makes the project both a meal-service investment and part of municipal preparedness. The municipality also highlights modern workflows, improved working conditions and greater scope to cook from basic ingredients.
When the facility opens, the existing Bergåsen kitchen in the hospital will close. Region Värmland says that space is needed for services including the health centre and emergency department.
Background
Torsby hospital is also planning a flexible-meal model intended to give inpatients more choice over both meals and timing. The municipal kitchen will enable delivery, while the healthcare meal model remains a regional operational matter.
During construction, food for Stjerneskolan pupils is prepared at Bergåsen and served in temporary spaces. This arrangement is expected to continue until the new kitchen and refurbished pupil dining hall are ready.
Latest update
Construction is under way following the 9 September 2026 ground-breaking. Operations are planned to begin at the 2027/2028 year-end, but this is an estimate to be followed as work progresses. The source does not state the project's full budget in this article. Project finances also require separate follow-up.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-09-11. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.