mollaryd's magazine

The old goods depot at Mollaryd station has long been a clear part of the village's history. Once the building was an obvious part of the vibrant station community where brickworks, sawmills and mills sent goods on by train. In recent years, however, the building has fallen into disrepair – and is at risk of being demolished.

Today, the building has been carefully restored and inaugurated as a new meeting place in the village. Through the leader project Mollaryds Magasin, Molla Byalag, together with committed villagers and local craftsmen, has given the warehouse new life.

A job with challenges along the way

Early in the renovation, the craftsmen discovered that the condition was significantly worse than expected. Therefore, more extensive efforts, more time and greater commitment were required than planned. Despite the challenges, the work continued purposefully, and the non-profit commitment was crucial for the project to reach its full potential.

It was important to the project team that the renovation was carried out using building conservation methods and with respect for the house's origins from 1903 – and that was the case. The roof was replaced, the trusses were replaced, the sills were renovated, the facade was painted and a new staircase with a railing was built to create a safe and sustainable entrance.

A meeting place is taking shape

The purpose of the project was not just to save a building. Equally important was to create conditions for new activities and a vibrant meeting place at Mollaryd station.

As part of the project, Molla Village Council installed a small library, a small museum and a free shop in the warehouse. At the same time, the village council collected ideas and investigated how the meeting place could be developed in the future.

In October 2025, the village association inaugurated Mollaryds Magasin during a day of activities, a historical tour and discussions about both the renovation process and the history of the place. This transformed the building from being closed and dilapidated to becoming an open meeting place. Today, the warehouse also serves as a weather shelter and a resting place for train passengers and visitors to the area's hiking trails.

Cut from the application

”"The project will consistently focus on social, economic and ecological sustainability and will also contribute to community, shared learning and inspiration for further work."”

Sustainability from multiple perspectives

Sustainability has been a consistent starting point in the project. As much material as possible has been reused, local suppliers have been prioritized, and the work has been carried out using methods that take into account the building's history and the environment. Solar lighting has been installed, and there are plans to develop the area with insect hotels and farms.

The magazine will now be managed within Molla Byalag's regular operations.

The board's decision justification

The project is a textbook example of what rural development with a focus on the three dimensions of sustainability can look like. A meeting place that complements a culturally rich countryside and creates even better conditions for local events and tourism. It is a project that strengthens local collaboration and works across generations.