Questions and answers about Havtornen ahead of the next Student Union Council meeting on 20 October regarding Havtornen as a strategic asset

Havtornen plays a role in ÅAS’ activities and student life in Vasa. Among other things, the building is used by student societies for meetings and events. At the same time, ÅAS needs to review how the organisation’s resources are managed in the long term and how the property’s financial situation relates to its importance to the organisation’s activities.

The Finance Department’s business plan for 2026 includes an assessment of Havtornen as a strategic asset for ÅAS. Against this background, ÅAS’ Board has continued its preparations on this matter ahead of the Student Union Council meeting on 20 October 2026.

At the meeting, the Board will present the progress of its preparations and outline its current view of Havtornens’ strategic importance. According to ÅAS’s investment strategy, it is the Council which, on the basis of the Board’s preparations, decides which assets are to be defined as strategic.

Below, we have compiled answers to frequently asked questions about the background to this matter, what will be discussed at the meeting and what the next steps might involve.

If you have any further questions about this matter, please send them to us via our question box. We will answer the questions at least once a week on our website.

Frequently asked questions about Havtornen

Will the Student Union Council decide on the sale of Havtornen on 20 October 2026?

No. The matter under consideration is whether Havtornen should be classified as a strategic asset or not. If the Council approves the Board’s proposal, the Finance Department will be given a mandate to investigate the matter and initiate a sale process. A specific decision to sell

Has Havtornen already been sold?

No. No decision regarding a sale has been taken.

Does this mean that ÅAS must leave Havtornen?

No. The issue under discussion concerns the property’s strategic position and how ÅAS should approach ownership in the long term. If there is a possibility of renting space in Havtornen, the matter will be investigated.

If Havtornen is sold, will the activities cease?

Operations and property ownership are two separate matters. The Student Union’s role is to run activities for its members. It is therefore also relevant to investigate whether equivalent activities can be organised in other ways or in other premises.

Are there any alternatives to Havtornen?

At present, no specific alternatives have been identified. According to the Board’s proposal, it is important that ÅAS and the Finance Department are given the opportunity to investigate both a possible sale of Havtornen and alternative premises for ÅAS, the student associations and the members.

Why is Havtornen even being discussed?

One of the reasons is the property’s financial situation. According to ÅAS’ investment strategy, a property’s debt-to-asset ratio must not exceed 30 %. Havtornen’s debt-to-asset ratio exceeds this level, which means that the Finance Department needs to inform the Council of the situation.

Is Havtornen important to student culture?

Havtornen plays a significant role in student culture, the sense of community and student society activities. At the same time, there are differing views on the extent to which these activities depend on Havtornen as a building. These perspectives form part of the discussion regarding the property’s strategic importance.

Can everything be measured financially?

No. Some of the values highlighted in the discussion relate to community, history, traditions, visibility and identity. These aspects are also relevant when assessing the significance of Havtornen to ÅAS, even though they are difficult to measure in financial terms.

Has a decision already been made?

No. The matter is being dealt with through the Student Union’s formal decision-making processes. Background information, discussions and decisions are handled within the framework of these processes, so that the Student Union Council can consider the matter and make a decision in accordance with the organisation’s decision-making procedures.

Do you have any further questions? Submit them via question box below

Do you have any questions about Havtornen? Please submit them via the enquiry form below! The questions will be collected and answered on the ÅAS website.