The university board selected the single-campus scenario in Kontinkangas for further development

The decision is based on a comparison of three alternative campus scenarios, which summarise the findings of space reviews, financial calculations, risk assessments, environmental classifications of buildings, and analyses of campus locations. A comparison table with scores is attached.

“Of the three thoroughly analysed options, the single-campus scenario in Kontinkangas was the most economical, and overall the most functional and responsible choice for the university’s future spatial needs. We will save EUR 200 million, and this saving supports our core mission of excellent research and education. The negative impacts of the transition phase on students and staff, as well as the implementation risks, are also the lowest,” says Mikko Ayub, Chair of the Board.

This scenario was the only one that could meet the target set in the property strategy of keeping property costs at or below the current level of 11% of the university’s total costs over a 30-year period. Financial aspects were prioritised in the selection to ensure that the maximum share of university funding can be directed towards research and education.

“The Linnanmaa campus holds great sentimental value for many, and it has played a hugely important role in the development of the university and the growth of the city. There is a sense of wistfulness in leaving Linnanmaa, but our duty is to ensure the best possible future success for the soon-to-be 70-year-old University of Oulu. I hope this upcoming phase of renewal will be an inspiring and unifying one for future members of the university community, our partners and the people of Oulu,” Mikko Ayub adds.

The financial significance of the decision is illustrated by the fact that the cost difference between the single-campus scenario and the most expensive option, maintaining both the Linnanmaa and Kontinkangas campuses, exceeds EUR 200 million over 30 years. The higher costs are explained by the significantly larger floor area and the extensive renovation needs at Linnanmaa, where the renovation rate would have exceeded 80%.

“Even after major renovations, the space efficiency at Linnanmaa would not reach the level of the other options. At the same time, the high renovation rate would raise construction costs close to those of new buildings, as the older sections would need to be upgraded to meet current technical and structural standards. Furthermore, demolition and construction work would have caused more than a decade of disruption to university operations, with relocations to temporary premises and multiple moves,” explains Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen, Real Estate Director of the University.

The third scenario, a large new campus in Kontinkangas and a smaller campus in the city centre, would have exceeded the set cost target by more than EUR 70 million over the 30-year period.

A unified new campus in Kontinkangas will be developed in phases

According to the selected scenario, all university operations located in Oulu will gradually be centralised to a newly constructed campus in Kontinkangas. Additionally, the university will begin preparations for establishing a “Living Room of Science” in the city centre. In line with the Board’s decision, the “Living Room of Science” may be larger than the 1,000 m² initially planned, but the share of property costs must not exceed 11% of the university’s total costs.

“The Kontinkangas scenario enables a unified campus, which has been a key goal for staff and students in the spring’s space needs review, the earlier campus vision work, and as set out in the university strategy. I would like to warmly thank the university community for their active participation in this process. It is excellent that we can now move forward with bringing all faculties and functions into shared facilities,” says Rector Arto Maaninen.

“The university campus project will span approximately ten years. This gives stakeholders time to adapt to the changes, and we will keep them closely involved as planning progresses. Together with our stakeholders, we also want to contribute to the development of services, transport connections and the attractiveness of Kontinkangas—enhancing the university’s attractiveness as well,” Maaninen adds.

Next, the university will proceed to align its property plans more closely with those of Pohde, including parking and traffic arrangements. The university’s property plan will be specified further, and negotiations on the required building rights will be conducted with Pohde.

“We estimate that the year 2026 will be dedicated to preparatory work and contract negotiations for the future property project. In 2027, we aim to begin the actual campus design process, which will again be carried out in close cooperation with the university’s staff and students,” says Vesa-Heikki Kemppainen.

The University of Oulu’s property strategy has been developed by a wide group of internal and external experts

The property strategy work launched in autumn 2024 has been based on a comprehensive space needs review involving all faculties and units. This review defined future space concepts, an optimal functionality concept, and three alternative scenarios for meeting space needs.

Staff and students have actively contributed to designing the space concepts by participating in interviews, group workshops and surveys concerning learning, working, and laboratory and research environments. Throughout the strategy process, the Property Strategy Working Group—comprising representatives from all faculties, service units and the Student Union—has served as a forum for collecting input from the university community.

Space needs calculations were carried out by architectural firm Arco. Construction cost estimates were produced by A-Insinöörit, and financial impacts were assessed by KPMG. The cost and rent calculations for Scenario 2—the renovation of the Linnanmaa campus—were conducted by the property owner, Suomen yliopistokiinteistöt SYK.

The property costs of the different scenarios were compared using models in which the university either rents or owns the facilities. The analysis also considered the scenarios’ impacts on the university’s financial assets.

The University of Oulu’s architecture unit evaluated the campus locations, and the comparison of accessibility was conducted by the regional excellence research group of the university’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute.

The board decided on the criteria for selecting the scenario for further development on 5 November 2025.