The property at Pilestredet 30 has long been a colourful yet decaying sight. Earlier attempts by the city to sell the property were met by Blitz protests, because members feared it was all part of an effort to move them out.
City officials tried to negotiate and various leasing plans were drafted, only to be met by more protests by Blitz members who insist the city should support its activities as an "alternative youth group."
Things turned violent when group members bombarded Oslo's City Hall with spray paint and clubs last year. They also battled with riot police, and even some of the city's most liberal officials were furious.
Now, however, after months of negotiations, all sides appear satisfied. Newspaper Aftenposten Aften reported Monday that the city will be able to fix up its property and Blitz can stay as a tenant, likely ending years of quarrelling.
A local charitable group, state real estate operator Entra Eiendom and the city were among those involved in the negotiations with Blitz.
The deal calls for Entra to buy, own and operate the two buildings at Pilestredet 28-30. The Blitz House at Pilestredet 30C will remain, however, under city ownership, with Blitz continuing to rent space as before.
The entire city block on which the buildings sit will be renovated by Entra Eiendom. A flat in Pilestredet 30 that once was the home of artist Edvard Munch will be rehabilitated as well.
Entra will in turn be allowed to develop a new commercial property on the empty lot at Pilestredet 28. The charitable group Kirkens Bymisjon hopes to eventually develop flats for the needy in both Pilestredet 30A&B.
Blitz members refused to comment publicly on the deal, but several told Aftenposten Aften that they support the plan. Blitz will be kept apprised of negotiations among the city, Bymisjonen and Entra Eiendom.
