This report is based on culture and cultural heritage as key aspects of the sustainable city. In Gothenburg, cultural planning has been part of urban development since 1998 and the Culture Administration is responsible for preparing cultural impact assessments (KKA). In view of the fact that Gothenburg is in a development phase and plans several major projects with effects on urban spaces and city life, the report studies two areas of the city: Klippan (specifically Sockerbruket) and Lindholmen (specifically Karlavagnsgatan). Both are facing changes, among other things related to strong economic pressures. Participants in the study are cultural practitioners active at the sites and, to a certain extent, civil servants in the field of culture. The ambition is to identify, conceptualize and understand the role of urban culture in city development. We have applied a culture analytical perspective with interviews and discussions as primary materials, supplemented with photo and film. The results show that for cultural workers, the physical environment is a prerequisite for their work, which is linked to unique qualities, low rents, old-age housing and historical presence. Cultural work is identity-creating and characterized by dedication and connections to the site, history and people. Cultural and artistic activities take time to build and cultural professionals need a long-term perspective in their activities with time for reflection. Today there are no relevant decision-making mechanisms and representative bodies that can carry on culture’s action. In summary, it is emphasized that cultural sustainability and the role of culture in the sustainable city is about relating to change and the maintenance of continuity and endurance; a processual dialogue with the contemporary, past and future, where cultural workers have a central role and task to fill. The report presents results from the pilot project Culture and Heritage in Sustainable Urban Development: a collaboration between the Centre for Consumer Science at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg City Museum and the Cultural Strategy Department at the Culture Administration, Gothenburg City, in the framework of Mistra Urban Future’s focus on culture and heritage’s role in sustainable urban development.