Wedoany.com Report-Sept. 10, Norwegian construction firm Veidekke has been appointed by Akademiska Hus to renovate the Zoologen building in Gothenburg, Sweden. The design-and-build contract is valued at approximately Nkr315 million ($31.59 million) and aims to modernize both the exterior and interior of the building.

Completion and occupancy are forecast by late 2026.

Akademiska Hus, a Swedish government-owned enterprise, focuses on developing properties for educational and research purposes. The renovated Zoologen building will feature 15 laboratory and office spaces, ranging from 100m² to 850m², each equipped with full laboratory infrastructure. In addition, the facility will include a lunch café with a communal dining area, meeting rooms, and a gym to support a variety of user needs.

The project emphasizes sustainability, with materials from the old structure being repurposed by local educational institutions. The Zoologen building, located near Gothenburg University and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, will form part of the broader life sciences campus in the area.

The initial phase of the renovation, valued at Nkr112 million, was included in Veidekke’s second-quarter (Q2) 2025 order book, with an additional Nkr200 million planned for Q3 2025. Completion and occupancy are expected by late 2026.

Akademiska Hus project manager Martin Dahlberg said: “With Zoologen we are creating modern and sustainable premises for life science companies, in the middle of a research and education environment. Through our solid collaboration with Veidekke, we are not only developing a building but also enriching the campus with new possibilities.”

Veidekke spokesperson Christer Carlberg added: “We are proud to be entrusted by Akademiska Hus with another project – to transform this 1960s building into a stylish and modern laboratory and office property.”

In a separate project, Veidekke recently received a contract from the Swedish Transport Administration to construct the Stora Hamnkanalen tunnel, part of the West Link Project in central Gothenburg. The initial contract, valued at Skr280 million, involves building a tunnel comprising concrete and rock sections measuring approximately 54m and 16m in length, respectively. The tunnel will pass beneath the Stora Hamnkanalen near its outlet into the Göta älv.

Veidekke’s ongoing projects in Gothenburg highlight its expertise in both urban infrastructure and specialized building renovations. By combining modern design, laboratory functionality, and sustainability measures, the Zoologen renovation is set to enhance the city’s life sciences research environment while maintaining strong collaboration between the construction firm and Akademiska Hus.