On site to mark the start of the multi-billion investment were Ali Ranji, Project Director Akademiska Hus, Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology, Adam Gatmon, Chairman of Teknologkåren, Olivia Vikström, Chairman of Luleå Student Union and Fredrik Hansson, Vice Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board and Municipal Commissioner of Luleå Municipality.
"It is with pride and joy that we now enter the implementation phase of the largest project in Akademiska Hus' history. In close collaboration with Luleå University of Technology, we develop the campus with a focus on sustainable and flexible environments for education, research and collaboration. Together, we will ensure a long-term transformation of the entire campus area that will strengthen the university, the city and the region for a long time to come," says Ali Ranji, Project Director at Akademiska Hus.
New building for LTU's vibration-sensitive equipment. The appearance is subject to change. Vision image: Tengbom.
Building for vibration-sensitive equipment first out
The first building will be a specially adapted environment where the university's vibration-sensitive research equipment will be gathered and where the ground preparation work will now begin. The building covers approximately 4,500 square meters and is scheduled for completion in 2029. It is designed with a robust core that offers optimal conditions for precision-demanding measurements, experiments and technology development. The building will have an adaptable design to also be able to meet future research needs.
"It feels exciting that we and Akademiska Hus are now starting a new phase in the work on the Future Campus Luleå. Although it will take a few years before we see the new buildings take shape, the ground preparation activities are a first and important step in the implementation phase. Since the process has been long, it is extra important that we look ahead and can visualize our new campus in Luleå when it is finished. Because what we are building together is Sweden's newest university campus with future-proof, functional and attractive environments for our students and our staff, says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology.
Overview The future campus of Luleå. The appearance is subject to change. Vision image: Tengbom.
Two more buildings and a park
The development of the Future Campus Luleå also means that two more new buildings will be built with space for study environments, labs and offices. One of the buildings is planned to comprise just over 49,000 square meters with preliminary completion at the turn of the year 2031/2032. The other is planned to cover just under 23,000 square meters with the goal of completion in 2032/2033. Where the E-building currently stands, a park will be built. It will be an open meeting place that can also serve as a reserve ground for the university's future needs. According to the current schedule, the park will be completed in 2034.
"The future campus Luleå is a very important investment for the whole of Luleå. When the university develops, the city is also strengthened – as a city of knowledge, as a growth municipality and as a place for research, innovation and the skills of the future. This is an investment that will mean a lot for Luleå's development for a long time to come, says Fredrik Hansson, Vice Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board and Municipal Commissioner in Luleå Municipality.
In total, Akademiska Hus expects to invest approximately SEK 5.5 billion in the campus transformation. The preliminary investment framework will be divided into several separate investment decisions that require approval by both Akademiska Hus and Luleå University of Technology's boards. The development of the Future Campus Luleå also requires customary government decisions such as adjustment of the detailed plan and building permits to be realized.
