Finland Times

File Photo Lehtikuva.

The University Properties of Finland (SYK Oy) has sold the facilities of the Oulu University School of Architecture in downtown Oulu to Rakennusteho Group and Fingersoft.

 

Rakennusteho is an Oulu-based group, while Fingersoft is famous for its hit game Hill Climb Racing.

 

The purchase price has not been disclosed, but both sides have spoken in terms of millions of euros.

 

The sold properties include 4536 square metres of space located at Aleksanterinkatu 4-6. The buildings are in relatively good condition; however, the renovations of the interiors will cost millions of euros. Some of the buildings are protected by conservation groups, as the history of the block extends back well into the 1800s.

 

“Those citizens who are concerned about the fate of the historically significant buildings can breathe a sigh of relief. This attractive real estate will not be replaced with apartment buildings and shopping centres. We’re giving new life to this block as a centre of gaming industry for northern Finland,” said Rakennusteho CEO Jaakko Moilanen.

 

SYK Oy is selling off the premises because the University of Oulu no longer needs them. The university’s operations on Aleksanterinkatu will continue until the end of 2015, after which they will move to the Linnanmaa campus.

 

File Photo Lehtikuva.

Fingersoft is moving from its current location in Kempele to the Aleksanterinkatu premises and plans to rent out the extra space at an affordable rate to other companies and industry partners. The Oulu-based gaming company would also like to bring in, for example, gaming industry training to the new space, as well as a range of ancillary services such as a gym, a cafe, or an accounting firm.

 

“The old School of Architecture’s space fits our plans like a glove. Our partner Rakennusteho renovated it into our dream premises, where you can find whatever you need, “from an auditorium to a recording studio. Naturally, we will also have the best sauna in Oulu,”said Fingersoft CEO Teemu Närhi.

 

“Our modest intention is to increase Oulu’s international significance with this gaming industry centre, from which hit games will flow out to the world just like tar does. The acquisition of this property enables us to provide start-up companies with financing and publishing agreements, as well as providing a business incubator and the world’s best office environment,” Närhi explained.

 

Rakennusteho and Fingersoft’s cooperation in the development of the property is an exceptional international project in which historical buildings and private funds create modern business environments for future enterprises.

 

“Now a transformation begins for the historical building that housed the Department of Architecture. We believe this coming project will bring a positive momentum and international interest to the area. We are extremely pleased to be part of this project. We will only beat the recession with new, bold ideas. We believe Fingersoft’s planned gaming industry centre will be a milestone for the city on par with Teknologiakylä (Technology Village) 30 years ago,” Moilanen said.

 

The preliminary sales agreement in connection with the Department of Architecture includes the premises of an early childhood education centre. The agreement concerns a 5329 square metres of floor space at Maunonkatu 2. The centre’s activities have already stopped completely.

 

“We thank SYK Oy for approving the sale and for their cooperation in bringing about this project and for the agreement involving Maunonkatu,”said Moilanen.

 

“We would like to thank everyone who submitted an offer. It’s nice that there was so much interest in both properties, in combination and separately. The changes being made in both ‘districts are in a positive spirit. The Department of Architecture's new life and the development of Maunonkatu are great things for Oulu’s urban development. We must not hesitate to believe in the future,” said SYK Oy Director Juha Uotila.