New campus plan secures space for the future of JU

Jönköping University (JU) and the city of Jönköping are growing. A new campus plan ensures that JU can continue to develop as a cohesive campus in the city centre – with land available to meet future needs in education, research, and collaboration.

“We don’t know exactly what JU’s needs will be in ten or twenty years’ time, but we do know that we need to secure the opportunity to grow,” says Eva Gipperth, University Director of JU.

When the first joint Campus Plan was drawn up in 2017, the starting point was a growing university. The plan identified where new buildings could be located and which areas needed to be reserved for future expansion. Since then, both JU and the city have developed, and the new plan takes a broader approach.

“It feels very good that, together with Jönköping Municipality, we have a joint plan that gives JU the opportunity to continue developing well into the future. A cohesive campus in the city centre is a key prerequisite for continuing to attract students, staff, and partners to Jönköping,” says Eva Gipperth.

Several projects completed

Some of the Campus Plan from 2017 have already become a reality. Building K, which houses University Services and examination halls, was completed in 2019, and the Science Park Towers in 2023. New student accommodation has also been built in central Jönköping. At the same time, certain circumstances have changed. The Grävlingen neighborhood north of the campus, which in 2017 was identified as a potential future expansion area, is now being developed with housing and other facilities, making the land south of the campus even more important.

A key element is therefore the council’s detailed development plan for the Lappen neighborhood, situated between Campus Arena and Lake Munksjön, and south of the School of Health and Welfare. The plan aims to create opportunities for future university premises whilst also developing the area with, amongst other things, walking and cycling routes, parkland and facilities facing Lake Munksjön. According to the current timetable, the detailed development plan is expected to be adopted by the municipality in 2027.

“Yet another attractive area”

“It could become yet another attractive area for recreation and activities for JU’s students, staff, and all the city’s residents, whilst also making Jönköping even more attractive as a place to study,” says Eva Gipperth.

The new campus plan focuses on where JU can build new facilities, but also on urban densification, flexibility, and better use of existing premises; however, the need for land remains.

“JU’s development is closely linked to the development of Jönköping and the region. To meet future needs for education, research, and innovation, we need to ensure that the campus can develop in step with the wider world. Ultimately, it is about creating the best possible conditions for students, staff, and society at large,” says Eva Gipperth.