Oulu’s historic provincial prison now for sale in smaller sections

The historic Oulu provincial prison, a culturally significant property in northern Finland, is now being sold in smaller sections after failing to attract buyers as a single unit, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

The state-owned property agency Senaatti-kiinteistöt has adjusted its sales approach, allowing potential buyers to submit offers for individual parts of the nearly three-hectare site. The complex, located near the city centre, includes 14 buildings, among them the red-brick main prison building (dating from the 1880s) and the Oxenstierna House, originally built as a crown prison in 1778.

Laura Schrey, Senaatti-kiinteistöt’s property development manager, explained that market discussions revealed different parts of the site appeal to varied buyers. “We’ve identified that different sections interest different types of operators, so we’re adopting a more flexible sales approach,” she said.

Prospective buyers can now bid on specific areas, such as the main prison building or the Oxenstierna House with its surrounding smaller structures. Some buildings are protected, but Schrey noted they could be repurposed for uses like hotels, apartments, or offices.

The prison closed in January after Oulu’s new facility opened in Ruskonselkä. Senaatti-kiinteistöt will accept preliminary offers until 25 May, with sales potentially finalised either immediately or after zoning adjustments with the city.

An earlier attempt to sell the entire property did not yield viable offers, despite interest from potential buyers.