The project Western Node

Last changed: 14 April 2026

For the past few years, work has been underway to develop the operational facilities in the Western Node. The aim of the project is to create opportunities to bring SLU's operations in Alnarp closer together and to enable better exchange and collaboration in research and education. Feasibility studies and planning work are ongoing, with the actual renovation and expansion work scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2029.

On this web page:

Purpose and objectives of the project

A key objective is to create functional and representative facilities with a healthy and attractive working and study environment in the Western Node.

In addition to bringing operations closer together, the project aims to increase space efficiency, enhance shared use of laboratory areas, and contribute to other synergies by facilitating mobility, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the complex and other nodes on campus.

The outdoor environment will be well integrated with the facilities, supporting activities in the Western Node by providing spaces and areas for lunch, meetings, study places, and more.

Sustainability is a central focus throughout the project's implementation.

About the Western Node

The Western node encompasses the buildings Vegetum, Horticum, Articum, Navet, and Biotronen. Both the renovation of existing spaces and the addition of new facilities are planned here.

In the renovated and extended Western hub, the following institutions will be located:

  • Plant Breeding (LTV)
  • Plant Protection Biology (LTV)
  • Biosystems and Technology (LTV)
  • People and Society (LTV)
  • Southern Swedish Forest Research Centre (S-faculty)

Work place strategy

From November 2024 to May 2025, work was carried out to develop a workplace strategy and laboratory assessment for the Western Node. The strategy is a long-term plan describing how workplaces should be designed, organised, and managed to support operational goals and employee needs.

The strategy work was led by an external consultant, WeOffice, which delivered a detailed report outlining how future workplaces can be designed, including concrete proposals for solutions. This material will serve as a basis for decisions regarding the future design of our facilities.

All employees affected by the project were invited to workshops and surveys to share their needs, experiences, and ideas. Employee and managerial participation were central to the strategy development.

The work was divided into two parts:

  • Office operations: Development of workplace strategies for office environments.
  • Laboratory assessment: Investigation and proposed solutions for future laboratory environments.

More about the project

Projectorganisation

The project is governed and managed by various groups, including internal SLU teams as well as teams consisting of participants from both SLU and Akademiska Hus.

Information about the groups and participants (in Swedish)

 

Feasability studies

Early-stage feasibility study

An early-stage feasibility study was conducted in 2023. This study included proposals on how to design the interface between the Western Node and the new railway stop, how Vegetum could be updated to establish stronger connections with other buildings, and the size and location of a potential new building. The proposal was then circulated for consultation within the organisation.

Feasibility Study

The feasibility study aims to establish a more detailed vision and objectives, identify project prerequisites, and include an overall analysis of project feasibility, as well as technical building conditions and risks. The feasibility study was carried out from autumn 2024 into early 2025.

Next steps in the project

After the detailed feasibility study, decisions will be made on programme work, pre-project planning, and implementation.

At each stage, the project will become more clearly defined in scope, with cost estimates prepared as a basis for rental and investment costs and future decisions.

More information about the campus development in Alnarp you will find on this page at the staff web.