The new daycare centre in the Barracks area to be completed in February 2026

Once completed, the new daycare centre in the Barracks area will have room for eight groups, accommodating a total of 150 children.

The construction of the new daycare centre began on 7 January 2025 and will be completed in February 2026.

Preserving architectural values and ensuring healthy indoor air

The barracks were built between 1879 and 1882. The listed barracks buildings will undergo a complete refurbishment, including a full update of all building service technology.

– The aim is to preserve the architectural value of the buildings, taking conservation goals into account. We will also ensure healthy indoor air quality, along with user safety and accessibility, says Teemu Ranta, Project Manager with the City of Vaasa Premises Management Office.

The principal and architectural design of the project is being carried out by the architectural studio NOAN Oy.

Changes to the room layouts and space divisions inside the building will be kept to a minimum. The façades will be renovated where necessary and repainted, but their overall appearance will remain unchanged.

The total cost of the refurbishment and modifications is approximately €7.9 million. The contractor is MKM Solutions Ab Oy.

Gustavsborg and Rådhusgatan daycare centres will relocate to the new premises

The Gustavsborg and Rådhusgatan daycare centres will relocate in their entirety to the new premises in the Barracks area.

The Gustavsborg daycare centre, located on Koulukatu, requires a major refurbishment, and it is no longer practical to renovate the building for use in early childhood education and care. Even with repairs and alterations, the premises cannot be converted into a solution that meets the needs of modern early childhood education and care. The city will eventually sell the buildings.

– I look forward to the opportunity to provide inspiring learning environments for both children and staff in a culturally rich, historically significant setting, says Anna Buss, Director of Early Childhood Education and Care.

Improving the conditions for children’s physical activity

Vaasa residents were engaged in the design of the daycare centre through an online survey in spring 2023.

In their responses, residents particularly highlighted the quality of indoor air and safety, as well as the opportunities for stimulation in the outdoor areas. The plans for the new daycare centre include appropriate measures to ensure good indoor air quality.

Children have also been able to express their wishes: on their wish list for the new daycare centre were items such as gym rings, a hammock, a rest nook, a slide, and an underground football field.

The renovation aims to provide the best possible conditions for children’s physical activity, particularly in the outdoor areas.