Husnes

Husnes Husnes
Husnes as seen from above (2008)
Coordinates: 59°51′38″N 5°44′25″E / 59.86056°N 5.74028°E / 59.86056; 5.74028Coordinates: 59°51′38″N 5°44′25″E / 59.86056°N 5.74028°E / 59.86056; 5.74028
Country	Norway
County	Hordaland
Municipality	Kvinnherad
Area
• Urban	2,9 km2 (11 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• City	2,249
Demonym	Husnesing
Time zone	GMT+1
Website	husnesnett.no

Husnes is the largest urban settlement in Kvinnherad, Norway, with 2500 inhabitants in the its central district as of 2011, and about 4000 in the surrounding suburbs of Valen and Sunde. The settlement is centered around Sør-Norge Aluminium (SØRAL), and has become the center of commerce and education in Kvinnherad. In 2012, Husnes was proposed as the new administrative centre of Kvinnherad, sparking debate in the municipality. It has also been proposed as the administrative capital of the possible future municipality comprise today's municipalities of Kvinnherad, Odda and Jondal.

Industry and commerce

Husnes is the commerce capitol of Kvinnherad, with Husnes Storsenter, the biggest shopping center in Sunnhordland, as the centerpiece. In addition, two of the largest companies in Kvinnherad, HMR Group and SØRAL both have their headquarters on Husnes, along with local newspaper Kvinnheringen and several other firms.

Prior to 2008, the downtown area of Husnes had three shopping malls, housing more than fifty different businesses and stores. In 2008, a new shopping center, "Husnes Storsenter" was constructed, partially merging two of the existing centers in addition to the new constructions. At the same time, the Nordic home electronics company Elkjøp constructed a new warehouse next to the shopping centres, making its Husnes department one of the biggest in Western Norway.

Husnes Storsenter is currently the biggest shopping center between Bergen and Haugesund, as well as one of the biggest shopping districts in Sunnhordland, with more than 70 stores, 50 of which are in the main shopping center.

School

Husnes has one elementary school, one junior high school and one high school, as well as two additional elementary schools in the immediate suburbs. The high school, Kvinnherad Vidaregåande Skule, is the single high school in Kvinnheard, and houses around 400 students each year.

Notable people

• Asbjørn Slettemark - journalist, TV-show host and former Pop Idol-judge.
• Per Olav Alvestad - television presenter and host.
• Steinar Taarn Sande - musician.

References