Oslo Horisont, a redevelopment proposed by KLP Eiendom next to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), has been approved at the city government level (byrådet) and would allow two new towers of 120 metres and 72 metres on top of the former Posten mail terminal. The proposal still needs a final green light from Oslo’s elected city council (Bystyret), but if it clears that step, the 120-metre office tower would become Norway’s tallest high-rise, overtaking the nearby Oslo Plaza.
Oslo Horisont plan near Oslo Central Station
The project is planned for the former mail-sorting facility on Biskop Gunnerus gate, a short walk from Oslo S. The existing low-rise structure—often referred to locally as the “lavblokka”—would be preserved, while the two new towers would rise from the site as part of a broader push to upgrade the Oslo S area, which has long been criticised for feeling grey, underused and unsafe outside peak hours.
Oslo’s City Commissioner for Urban Development (byråd for byutvikling) James Stove Lorentzen said the area “is crying out for upgrading and development” and argued the project would create more round-the-clock activity, alongside new jobs and a new hotel close to Norway’s busiest transport hub.
What the 120-metre tower would change in Norway’s skyline
If built, the 120-metre tower would become the tallest high-rise building in the country’s capital and, in terms of conventional high-rises, the tallest in Norway. For decades, the Oslo Plaza has dominated the skyline at 109.7 metres, and has been widely cited as the city’s tallest building.
However, Norway still has several structures that are taller than Oslo’s planned tower, including industrial and telecom structures. In particular, the Nexans towers in Halden and other tall towers exceed the height of many Oslo high-rises, underlining the distinction between “tallest high-rise” and “tallest structure”.
Public spaces and heritage: keeping the old mail terminal
A central element of the plan is the reuse of the former mail terminal rather than full demolition. The existing building is set to remain as a base for the development, with the aim of opening up the site through new public-facing spaces.
According to Oslo’s city government, the redevelopment would include new public outdoor space on and around the preserved structure, including what officials have described as a public rooftop park, alongside greener areas and clearer pedestrian routes.
Next steps: Bystyret vote and construction timeline
Oslo’s decision so far is a byrådet-level approval. Under Oslo’s parliamentary system, major planning decisions typically still require a vote in the elected city council (Bystyret) before construction can start.
Norwegian media have reported that KLP Eiendom says it could start building in 2027 and finish around 2031 if Bystyret gives the final go-ahead.
Why high-rises remain politically sensitive in Oslo
High-rise projects in Oslo often trigger debates about shadowing, wind, views, heritage conservation and the character of the city centre. Supporters argue that building higher near major transport nodes can reduce sprawl and concentrate jobs where public transport is strongest.
Critics, including some urban planners and local residents’ groups in previous Oslo high-rise disputes, have warned that towers can reshape public space in ways that are difficult to reverse. Oslo Horisont is likely to become part of that wider discussion as the plan moves from the city government to the city council.
