The City of Oulu’s Urban and Environmental Committee approved the Oulu City Centre Vision 2026–2040 on 2 June 2026 as an advisory plan for developing the city centre. The vision guides the centre’s long-term development and supports the goals of the Oulu City Strategy until 2040. Its stated goal is a dynamic, sustainable and unique centre that meets the changing needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

What the vision contains

The vision is based on the final report “Pohjoisen rytmin suistokaupunki” and six annex reports that elaborate its themes. The vision map presents a development axis formed by Hallituskatu, the coast region and Kirkkokatu. Its central development principles are:

  • Letting water create the rhythm of the city centre
  • Building warmth in the north
  • Bringing urban nature into everyday lives
  • Telling the city’s story through light
  • Making mobility effortless and playful

The annex reports cover the centre’s vitality factors, the potential of infill development, traffic and parking organisation, the development of greenery and waterways, and the opportunities of lighting. According to the city, they support implementation and offer a basis for future development and decisions.

How residents took part

The vision was prepared in cooperation with residents of Oulu. They took part through a LEGO workshop, AI workshops, surveys and public events. The city invited residents to register for developing the city centre with AI on 1–2 October 2025, and it also held a public hearing for foreign-language speakers. The draft was on public display from 17 October to 3 November 2025. A lot of feedback was received. The comments especially highlighted compacting the city structure, sustainable mobility, parking, increasing greenery, improving lighting and accessibility.

What happens next

Implementation of the vision is directed annually in connection with the City of Oulu budget evaluation. Progress is reported in annual reports. A report will be compiled by the end of the council term in 2028 and presented to the Urban and Environmental Committee. City Planner Eini Vasu said the city believes the centre will improve in the coming years through cooperation between its operators and residents.