LUT, LAB, and the City of Lahti assess possibilities to relocate the Lahti campus to Ranta-Kartano

The City of Lahti, LUT University, and the LAB University of Applied Sciences have started looking into relocating the city’s higher education campus. The current location in Mukkula has served LUT University and the LAB University of Applied Sciences well for seven years and has provided a strong foundation for the growth of both institutions. The growth and expansion of operations in recent years have had a significant effect on the research, education, and corporate collaboration environment. 

“The current facilities still serve us well. However, a campus fully tailored to our needs would offer both institutions facilities that would support future growth, strengthen our impact, and ensure our competitiveness in the long term,” says Juha-Matti Saksa, LUT University’s rector. 

The campus location assessment will focus on the suitability and potential of the Ranta-Kartano district in the immediate vicinity of Lake Vesijärvi.

“A new higher education campus in the city centre, surrounded by beautiful nature and near the Kisapuisto and Salpausselkä sports venues, would provide a uniquely appealing and accessible environment that promotes well-being,” Saksa states. 

“Sports facilities and venues have become selling points for campuses worldwide, and they play an important part in promoting well-being. Solutions, services, and spaces that support overall well-being foster both academic success and a thriving campus community," says Turo Kilpeläinen, president of the LAB University of Applied Sciences.

“This type of holistic thinking is relatively rare in Finland. Ranta-Kartano in the Lahti centre, right by sports venues and Lake Vesijärvi, would provide an excellent setting for this,” Kilpeläinen continues.

Campus for everyone in Lahti

Niko Kyynäräinen, mayor of Lahti, emphasises that the aim is to secure a campus location that would support sustainable urban development and LUT's and LAB's goals to create an internationally attractive research, education, and business cluster. The bar will be set high for the new campus. 

“We want to provide LUT and LAB with the best Lahti has to offer. This is how we establish the strongest foundation for growth and urban renewal. We're creating an internationally recognised landmark that would bring together residents, students, researchers, and businesses. The campus is for everyone in Lahti: a place where learning, research, and business converge. Our goal is simply to challenge the world's best campuses.”

The Lahti campus location assessment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. 

More information:

• Niko Kyynäräinen, mayor, City of Lahti I niko [dot] kyynarainenlahti [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)