| dc.description.abstract | Rennesøy is a small municipality, a short drive from Stavanger city, in Norway. It has, as many other places in the area, experienced growth during the last decades. With this, a need of development follows. The county experienced expansion in population particularly after the opening of the submarine tunnels, E39 Rennfast, in 1992. These tunnels connected the islands of Rennesøy to the main land, opening for new possibilities for traveling, work and various services. This development has influenced the structure of local centres in the municipality. A new local centre has emerged the European rout, whereas the municipal centre has become much quieter and suffers from a lack of activity.
This Master’s attempt to describe a planning process in Rennesøy. The study focuses on plans of development of the municipal centre, Vikevåg. Today, many factors come in to play in a planning process like this; both national, regional and local politics, as well as the interests of people connected to the place. The place itself is a result of development through history, human and social actions, and it is still under development.
By studying different local actors’ comments, experiences with and opinions towards the municipality, the municipal centre, and the development of it, I try to discuss the planning process and how a strategic development like this can have an influence on a small municipality like Rennesøy. To discuss this, there is a focus on planning theory and the concept of space. This because of the connection between planning, space and people in the case of centre development. The data underlying the analysis of this study is constructed by the use of qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews is the main methodological approach. Information retrieved through these, is also seen in relation to literature studies and observations.
It is difficult to conclude anything definite due to the qualitative character of this study. The main discussions, nevertheless, focus on the importance of mobilisation and co-management in development of places that include a variety of people and interests. The character of the municipality, with its history, different islands and local communities, combined with the state and location of Vikevåg, seems to divide people’s interests of the development here. It might not have a greater impact on the municipality as a total, but a development of Vikevåg as a centre, could be a possibility for the local community as a social space, and maybe also as an attractive destination for visitors. | nb_NO |
