Wihlborgs and Malmö University have signed an implementation agreement for the parallel execution of architectural assignments, design, construction and, finally, letting to Malmö University at the Malmö Amphitrite 1 property, which is centrally located by the university’s statement Niagara building. The building is currently owned by the City of Malmö.

A building is already located on the site and is being used by Malmö University’s student union. A new, larger building that will include areas for the student union will be constructed here for university operations. The building will help strengthen and develop Universitetsholmen as one of Malmö’s university clusters.

In spring 2023, Malmö University announced the procurement of a landlord for the construction of the building to be let to Malmö University. The procurement has been conducted as an open procedure in accordance with the Swedish Public Procurement Act (2016:1145). The aim was to find a party through competitive tender that would both own the property’s freehold or leasehold and construct, equip, manage and let premises to Malmö University.

In consultation with the City of Malmö, the parties are to arrange and complete a parallel assignment with architect firms with the aim of evaluating the best way to develop and design the property and its surroundings, and to select one architect firm to take responsibility from concept to implementation. 

Thereafter, Malmö University has the right to order a future phase in which Wihlborgs, based on the winning proposal and together with the winning architect firm, in consultation with Malmö University, is to prepare a final proposal for the design of the building(s). Malmö University will thereafter maintain the right to order a phase encompassing the construction of the buildings in accordance with the agreed design and, when construction has been completed, sign a lease.

The City of Malmö will transfer ownership of the property to Wihlborgs, either in the form of a site leasehold or through a clean property transfer. Malmö University will move in to the newly constructed buildings at latest by June 2028.

"It feels positive that the planning stage is now underway ahead of the construction of the Amphitrite property at Universitetsholmen. At Malmö University, we have previous good experience of collaborating with Wihlborgs. The company is already the landlord of many of our premises and has considerable experience of having the university as a tenant," says Kerstin Tham, Vice-Chancellor of Malmö University. 

"Together with Malmö University and the City of Malmö, we look forward to creating long-term sustainable, flexible and inspiring buildings that strengthen Malmö’s university clusters and promote a pleasant and dynamic area," says Ulrika Hallengren, CEO of Wihlborgs.