The project planning will result in a plan for a thorough renovation and development of the Main University Building and at the same time retain and reclaim as much as possible of the Main University Building’s cultural-historical character so that the unique environment is preserved and can be used by more people. It is hoped that the renovation will mean the Main University Building will not need any major refurbishments for at least 50 years.
The news of the funding was released shortly after the celebration of the Main University Building’s 140th anniversary, which was held before Christmas. A small group of specially invited guests were welcomed in the Main University Building for a lecture on the building’s history, a run-through of the projects and plans, celebration cake and songs from the Lund Academic Choir at Odeum. Fredrik Tersmeden told the story of the Main University Building’s origins.
The building opened in 1882 and even then had to fight for funding from the Government. On this occasion there was competition with the construction of the Main University Building in Uppsala. However, eventually SEK 450,000 was allocated for the Main University Building in Lund (Uppsala received considerably more). The building was designed by Helgo Zettervall and was intended to be used as a centre for lectures, administration, art museum, coin cabinet and historical museum, as well as for academic ceremonies.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and chair of the steering group for the Main University Building, Lena Eskilsson, says that project planning will run from 2024 to 2025, and the subsequent renovation will take four years, starting in 2025. The inauguration is expected to take place in 2028.
“We are pleased that we have got the Government’s consent. The Main University Building is among the very finest of the notable state buildings that SFV administers and is a key symbol of the University. We are very much looking forward to taking on the project planning and to eventually welcome students and the public to an open and welcoming building and a fantastic environment,” says Ingrid Eiken Holmgren, director general of the Nation Property Board.
In the pre-study, the Nation Property Board’s work was based on a programme from Lund University with a list of priorities of the functions that are to be based in the building. The building will retain its function as the centre for the University’s important ceremonies and meetings. Similarly, the building will, to a certain extent, still house offices. The new functions proposed in the pre-study include a reception area, flexible premises for teaching and seminars, and study spaces.
“I am very pleased with the decision, which enables us to get one step closer to a much-needed renovation. The plans for the Main University Building are well-considered and the aim, when the renovation is completed, is for the building to once again be open to students, staff, visitors and Lund residents. The Main University Building is not only an important building for the University Square and Lundagård, but also a unifying symbol for the entire University,” says Erik Renström, Vice-Chancellor of Lund University.
The renovations that are required include improvements to ventilation, replacement of practically all the technical systems, a new roof, drainage and repainting. Physical accessibility as well as the work environment are to be enhanced. In addition, there will be a number of new functions to make the Main University Building the clear centre of Lund University and accessible and welcoming for students, staff and visitors.
There will now be a procurement phase to select the architect and other consultants for the project, which is expected to take between five and six years to complete.