The sale covered the UKK Institute’s building, completed in 1984, and its plot, as well as a lakeside property on Lake Näsijärvi. Both properties will pass to the real estate investment company Aare Invest at the beginning of October 2022.

The UKK Institute, a research and expert centre in the field of health and physical activity, has operated in Kauppi, Tampere, since 1984. The foundation is a pioneer in research and development on Finnish people’s fitness and health. The UKK Institute is funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of Education and Culture. The foundation applies for part of its funding itself from publicly available research and project grants.

“The UKK Institute’s funding has changed significantly in recent years, and the foundation was no longer able to maintain the property. The UKK Institute will stay on in the property as a long-term tenant, and its operations will continue as before. Working with Aare Invest opens up new and interesting opportunities for us,” says Tommi Vasankari, Director of the UKK Institute.

Aare Invest is a Tampere-based developer and real estate investor whose portfolio currently includes more than 62,000 m² of commercial property. The Aare Invest group’s main business is buying and selling property and project development. Most of its revenue comes from leasing business premises on a large scale. In 2021, the group’s revenue was €7,983,000 and its operating profit was €6,965,000. Marko Kuusisto, who leads the company, saw huge potential in the UKK properties straight away.

“The UKK Institute’s location is ideal: on the shore of Lake Näsijärvi, surrounded by beautiful, peaceful nature, yet close to the buzz of the city. Our aim is to renovate this legendary building while respecting its traditions and values, and to bring in activities that complement and support the UKK Institute. These will broaden the range of services in the area and further widen the target group to include businesses and people interested in exercise and well-being,” says Marko Kuusisto, founder and CEO of Aare Invest Oy.

The area has become Tampere’s hub for sports and physical activity. Its neighbours include Kauppi Sports Park, Kauppi Sport Center, Lapinniemi Spa and a bowling alley.

The goal is to promote health-enhancing physical activity

The UKK Institute already has a strong reputation for its expertise in sport and everyday physical activity. Aare Invest’s CEO Marko Kuusisto, for his part, is actively involved in several sports and exercise projects.

“We share the same vision. We want to expand the range of exercise and health services in the Pirkanmaa economic region. Together with the UKK Institute and other local operators, we can create a unique and attractive hub for exercise, sport and well-being in Kauppi. We also want to renovate UKK’s current accommodation facilities and develop restaurant services to support the whole. We are now looking for partners who want to be involved in the project,” Kuusisto sums up.

Further information:
Marko Kuusisto, CEO, Aare Invest Oy
+358 40 555 5413
marko.kuusisto@aare.fi