Oulu plans to rebuild almost entire city centre block

Oulu is planning a large redevelopment of the Ravander block in the city centre, with nearly all of its existing buildings set to be demolished, Yle reports.

The block at the southern end of the Rotuaari pedestrian street would be rebuilt with three 12-storey towers facing the inner courtyard. Buildings next to the surrounding streets would be six storeys high.

The plans include about 311 apartments, as well as commercial and office space. The block is bordered by Saaristokatu, Kirkkokatu, Albertinkatu and Torikatu, and is also known for the Hovihalli store.

Most of the existing buildings date from the 1970s. One six-storey building from the 1960s, containing shops and apartments, would remain outside the zoning plan amendment.

Oulu’s urban environment committee is due to consider a draft of the amendment on September 8. Acting detailed plan architect Jere Klami said the project was significant because of its size and central location.

“It is rarer for us to be able to plan almost an entire block at the same time,” Klami said, according to Yle. He said the city viewed it positively that the area and its effects on the surroundings could be examined as a whole.

Klami estimated that the zoning amendment could be completed in spring 2027.