Comparison of property strategy scenarios progresses during the autumn

The ongoing property strategy work at the University of Oulu will continue intensively during autumn 2025. The purpose of the strategy work is to ensure that the premises and properties used by the university effectively support long-term economic and operational goals.

Property Director Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen reports that the three scenarios defined in the property strategy are being further specified and verified, especially regarding facility requirements and costs.

In June, it was announced that three alternative scenarios have been identified in the property strategy work for meeting the university’s future facility needs:

  • Scenario 1: One new campus at Kontinkangas, 76,580 gross floor square metres, a space reduction of -40% compared to the current situation

  • Scenario 2: Two campuses, one new at Kontinkangas and renovation and improvement of Linnanmaa campus as well as new buildings where necessary, 92,442 gross floor square metres, a space reduction of -28% compared to the current situation

  • Scenario 3: Two campuses, one new at Kontinkangas and one new at a location closer to Kontinkangas than the current Linnanmaa campus, 77,869 gross floor square metres, a space reduction of -39% compared to the current situation

The property strategy document, from which business secrets and confidential information concerning the security of properties have been removed, has been published on the staff intranet Patio in Finnish (use university login credentials). The English version is currently being translated and will be published once it is ready.

“Regular dialogue and negotiations are being held with partners such as the City of Oulu, University Properties of Finland, Pohde, and PSOAS,” says Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen.

In addition to the university’s own experts, several external specialists are involved in developing the scenarios. Arco Architects are refining the space requirement calculations for the different scenarios. KPMG is assessing the financial impacts of the scenarios, and A-Insinöörit is calculating construction costs. University Properties of Finland (SYK), which owns the properties, is preparing cost and rent calculations for the alterations to Linnanmaa campus under Scenario 2.

All scenarios include a new campus at Kontinkangas, which is being prepared in various sizes.

“The current state of the Kontinkangas properties is such that new premises should be available in the early 2030s. Even if a scenario is chosen in which more extensive functions are planned for Kontinkangas, the plan allows for phased progress and for faculties already operating at Kontinkangas to relocate more quickly,” Kemppainen clarifies.

The university’s own academic expertise is also being utilised to specify the scenarios. Two researchers from the Unit of Architecture are currently reviewing potential locations for the new campus mentioned in scenario 3, taking into account, among other things, transport and accessibility, services, identity, as well as environmental and cultural-historical context and city planning status. A researcher from the Kerttu Saalasti Institute is examining the accessibility of different locations by car, bicycle, and public transport.

“For the new campus in scenario 3, we aim to define three to four location options that are best. More than ten possible sites have already emerged. The fields of science at the campus would mainly be those that do not require heavy laboratories,” says Professor of Architecture Janne Pihlajaniemi, who is involved in the work.

Arco is also setting target levels for the campus options according to the BREEAM environmental rating system. BREEAM (Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method) is an international, leading European environmental assessment method for buildings and infrastructure, evaluating the ecological and social responsibility of construction.

“For the BREEAM standard we are aiming for levels of very good, excellent or outstanding, depending on the campus,” says Kemppainen.

The Property Strategy Working Group will meet once a month during the autumn. The working group includes representation from every faculty as well as service units and the student union.

The aim is for the University Board to discuss the refined scenarios at its meeting at the end of October and to make the necessary decisions at its meeting at the end of November.

Property strategy work | Patio (use university login credentials)

Last updated: 3.9.2025