CONSTRUCTION PLANS. Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Staffan Edén has taken over as Project Head of the University’s development of Medicinareberget. The project gives the University the opportunity to create the environment we have always talked about, he explains.
The Medicinareberget 2020 development project recently entered its third phase. The previous Project Director, Margareta Wallin Peterson decided to return to her role of professor at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.
“It feels great to be taking over a well-run project. It feels a bit like sitting down to a ready-cooked meal. My predecessor has done a fantastic job that only requires continued development,” says Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Staffan Edén.
The possibilities opening up for Medicinareberget (Medical Student Mountain) mean that the University of Gothenburg has the opportunity to distinguish itself as a modern, cutting edge university. It is about creating an inspiring environment that facilitates recruitment of researchers, teachers and students.
“At Medicinareberget, we can create the environment that enables us to achieve what we have always talked about – meeting places, interactions between researchers from different disciplines, interaction with healthcare and other interested parties, joint use of state-of-the-art equipment and especially a modern environment adapted to our educational responsibilities,” says Staffan Edén.
New position
The idea of developing Medicinareberget and building a bridge over Pehr Dubbsgatan between the hospital and the Academy has been previously considered. Academicum and the foot bridges that connect the Mountain to the hospital were ready in 2000. Staffan Edén was also involved in that project. From the beginning it was thought that there would be more extensive building on both the Mountain’s and Sahlgrenska’s property. This time, conditions are better for realization of these major plans, as all of the involved partners have such a strong mutual interest.
“Healthcare is acutely in need of new facilities. Sahlgrenska Academy also needs facilities as due to our successes we have received a substantial amount of external financing, and thus need more space for new research groups that will be recruited to the University. Even teaching is expanding and there is a crying need for improved teaching facilities,” says Staffan Edén.
He points out the importance of safeguarding the overall project,
“Local projects are underway at several different areas of GU, and we do not want to miss the opportunity to create added value by coordinating the different activities. This is done through such things as a strategic premises provision plan that the University is currently developing.
Recently, Akademiska hus and the University’s Estate and Facilities Unit initiated an inventory of the current facilities that will be the basis for the premises provision plan and continuation of the University’s different development projects.
Many agendas
In addition to Sahlgrenska Academy, the Social Sciences Faculty, the Science Faculty and UB are currently expanding in and around Medicinareberget. Within all of the faculties a discussion is ongoing as to what needs the units have and from where they would best be run.
“There are many who have to agree, both within and outside of the University. It is vital that communication between the projects functions well. Of course, a great deal of diplomacy will likely be necessary,” notes Staffan Edén, who has had a hectic schedule of late, trying to familiarize himself with all of the project’s parts.
Although the University strives to maintain the project as a whole, construction plans are moving forward faster for Hus 123 on Pehr Dubbsgatan. The primary reason for this is Sahlgrenska University Hospital’s major need of new facilities including those for their medical laboratory operations. The private property developer Vitartes, who has been allocated land at the project site, is also a driving force. Prior to summer, the University and the other partners are expected to sign an initial agreement for the Pehr Dubbsgatan project, an agreement that commits us as renters of the premises that are likely to be built.
“In my opinion, having an entrepreneur in charge enables the project,” says Staffan Edén.
How will the Medicinareberget Project have developed over the next three years?
“At that point, I think we will have started building. By our being able to point to the fantastic environments that the University of Gothenburg can offer, we will find it easier to recruit researchers, teachers and students.
