Feasibility study for new Lahti campus completed; detailed planning to begin next
The City of Lahti, LUT University, and the LAB University of Applied Sciences launched a feasibility study in late 2025 to assess the suitability of the Ranta-Kartano district as a new location for the Lahti campus. The study examined the how the area could support the growth, research, education, industry collaboration, and international appeal of both higher education institutions and how it could promote economic vitality and sustainable urban development in Lahti.
“Lahti has made tremendous progress as a university city, and its future looks promising. That’s why it’s important to assess well in advance what solutions will support the future international growth of LUT and LAB. The feasibility study provides a strong foundation for continuing that work,” says Juha-Matti Saksa, LUT University’s rector.
The main conclusion of the feasibility study is that the project should continue by starting a detailed planning stage. According to the study, Ranta-Kartano has the potential to develop into a campus area that strengthens collaboration between LUT, LAB, businesses, and the city and helps attract and retain students and skilled professionals in Lahti.
The planning stage would define the campus concept and scope, practical implementation, building phases, costs, and impacts on the city and both higher education institutions. The planning would proceed in stages, and the project’s feasibility and the conditions for a possible construction decision would be assessed throughout the process.
”A city centre campus would bring students, researchers, companies, and residents closer together while strengthening the city centre as a vibrant place to study, work, and spend time. At the same time, the planning of the campus is about what kind of city we want to build for future generations. The universities and the companies located around them play a central role in advancing sustainable growth,” says Niko Kyynäräinen, mayor of Lahti.
Completing the feasibility study does not mean a decision to build the campus has been made. A possible decision on construction would be made only after the planning stage has been completed. If the conclusions of the planning stage support moving forward with the project, a construction decision could be made in 2028 or 2029.
Read the feasibility study in Finnish: Uuden kampusalueen strateginen toteutettavuusselvitys (PDF).
More information:
Niko Kyynäräinen, mayor, City of Lahti I niko [dot] kyynarainen
lahti [dot] fi (niko[dot]kyynarainen[at]lahti[dot]fi)
Elina Laavi, executive director for vitality development and services, City of Lahti | elina [dot] laavilahti [dot] fi (elina[dot]laavi[at]lahti[dot]fi)
Juha-Matti Saksa, rector, LUT University | juha-matti [dot] saksalut [dot] fi (juha-matti[dot]saksa[at]lut[dot]fi)
Turo Kilpeläinen, president, LAB University of Applied Sciences | turo [dot] kilpelainenlab [dot] fi (turo[dot]kilpelainen[at]lab[dot]fi)
