The Student Union Council decided that Havtornen is not a strategic asset for ÅAS

Press release 21 October 2026
The Student Union of ÅAU
For immediate release

At its meeting yesterday, the Student Union Council of ÅAS decided not to regard the student union building Havtornen in Vasa as a strategic asset for the Student Union. This decision paves the way for a further investigation into alternative premises and the commencement of the process to sell Havtornen.

The Student Union Council has decided that Havtornen is not a strategic asset for ÅAS. In its decision, the Council also mandated the Finance Department to participate in the investigation into alternative premises – this means that the Finance Directorate and the Student Union Secretariat can begin an active investigation to identify premises that meet the needs and activities of ÅAS and the specialist associations. The Council will actively monitor this work, and an update on the investigation will be provided at each forthcoming Council meeting.

ÅAS is begins to investigate alternative venues – student associations will be involved in the process

During the meeting, ÅAS’ associations concerned were given the opportunity to present their views on Havtornen and its importance. The Student Union Council decided to include in its decision that the associations would be involved in the investigation process. This means that the associations will be able to put forward their specific needs and requests to ÅAS, and that the criteria set out in the Board’s preparatory work will be considered in the investigation.

– During the preparatory work, the Executive Board has emphasised that a sale cannot be considered until alternative premises that meet the needs of the Student Union, the students and the associations can be secured. However, during the investigation process, it became clear that a decision on Havtornens’ strategic status was necessary for ÅAS to be able to proceed with investigating concrete alternatives, says Chair of the Board Svea Välimäki.

The sales process begins with a focus on long-term and responsible solutions

Havtornen is strongly associated with a sense of community, student culture and ÅAS’ visibility and presence in Vasa, and the building is of considerable value. The Council wishes to find long-term and responsible solutions.

– In its discussion and decision, the Council emphasised the importance of the associations’ involvement in the coming investigation. What is happening now is a review of alternative venues in collaboration with the student associations. The most important thing is that everyone can be heard and to have a say in the process, says Chair of the Student Union Council Emilia Melén.

In it’s decision the Council emphasised the importance of involving ÅAS’ student associations in the investigation process. At the same time, the decision gives the Student Union the opportunity to investigate alternative premises whilst the sale process gets underway. Should a sale become a possibility, it will be the Council that makes the final decision.

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For more information, contact
Emilia Melén
Chair of the Student Union Council
fo@studentkaren.fi