Tampere student union building up for sale as education group expands to city centre

The Sasky education consortium plans to open a new school in Tampere’s central Hämeenkatu street, purchasing a large property while selling off its historic student union building as surplus to requirements.

The consortium has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire the protected 1939 building at Hämeenkatu 24, formerly a bank headquarters, with city council approval still needed for the change of use. If completed, it would mark the first major public educational institution on the prestigious central boulevard, according to consortium director Antti Lahti.

The new facility, designed for up to 500 students, is set to open after renovations in either autumn 2028 or 2029. Lahti noted discussions about expanding capacity further, potentially introducing two-shift teaching. The €12 million project—covering the €8 million purchase (funded by a loan) and a €4 million renovation—will be financed through the consortium’s reserves and debt.

As part of the expansion, Sasky will sell its 1901 student union building on Kauppakatu, acquired in 2022 for €1.3 million. Lahti cited financial constraints and a strategic focus on developing the new “main school” on Hämeenkatu as key reasons. A first meeting with a potential buyer was scheduled for Friday afternoon.

The move centralises Sasky’s Tampere operations, which currently span sites including Koulukatu (lease ending 2028), Kehräsaari (lease ending 2029), and the Haapanen villa in Pyynikki, where IT education will continue. Meanwhile, in Sastamala, the consortium is selling its Karkku vocational school property to investor Pentti Välkki, relocating courses to the town centre. In Mänttä-Vilppula, plans for a large training kitchen with the city are advancing, with construction possibly starting in 2027.