Green light for future development of Norra Campusparken in Umeå

There is a housing shortage for students and researchers in Umeå, a city that in recent years has been red-listed in the Swedish National Union of Students' annual report on the housing situation for the country's students. The new zoning plan allows for the construction of three blocks that accommodate a total of about 450 new homes with space for about 800 students and researchers.  

"Norra Campusparken is located directly adjacent to Campus Umeå and is therefore very suitable for student and researcher housing. With more housing, the campus becomes even more vibrant and open, while Umeå's attractiveness as a student city is strengthened. Many decisions and continued planning remain before a possible construction can take place, but the adopted detailed plan is an important step on the way," says Christian Jönsson, Property Area Manager at Akademiska Hus.  
 
" A verygratifying decision. The plan provides the conditions for approximately 450 homes close to campus, which provides an even more vibrant campus with increased security and a greater basis for service provision throughout the year," says Hans Wiklund, University Director at Umeå University.  

Securing the future development of higher education institutions

Within the planning area, two blocks totalling 34,000 square metres will also be possible for university activities and services. The detailed plan also allows for the formation of squares and a mobility hub that can offer various services such as bicycle service, box bike pool and car pool. This promotes the use of environmentally friendly transport alternatives. Existing green areas such as forest areas and campus meadows will be preserved and integrated with the new blocks.  

"The detailed plan gives us the opportunity to strengthen the links between Campus Umeå and the surrounding city while securing important parts of the area as a continued resource for Umeå University's and SLU's long-term development," says Christian Jönsson. 
 
The detailed plan also includes the development of about one kilometre of Petrus Laestadius väg. A development agreement has been signed between Umeå Municipality and Akademiska Hus, which means, among other things, that the road will be transferred to municipal ownership after the detailed plan has gained legal force.