Hervanta is building a new identity among companies
Hervanta suburb in Tampere is known as a strong technology hub, whose development was accelerated by Nokia, among others. Over the years, the area has developed and been reshaped several times, and now Hervanta attracts an even wider range of different companies.
Hervanta and the Hermia area in particular have traditionally attracted technology companies. These companies have benefited greatly from being close to other industry players and the university. These differentiating factors have not disappeared from Hervanta.
"After Nokia, a multidisciplinary technology sector has emerged in Hervanta, where existing expertise has been applied to new industries, ranging from health technology to energy storage and chip develpoment," says Raimo Vähämaa, Senior Business Advisor, Relocation Services, at Business Tampere.
ICT companies continue to benefit from the area’s background and concentrated expertise. However, in recent years, Hervanta has also begun to attract growing interest from companies in other industries. It is easier to establish larger production facilities in Hervanta than in the Tampere city centre, and the rents in the area are lower.
"For example, we are very experienced in building laboratory facilities and connecting them to office spaces. The presence of the defence and security industry in Hervanta is growing, which will also increase the need for various classified and special facilities," says Mari Kultalaakso, Director of Technopolis’ Tampere Business Unit.
"In addition to the ICT industry, health and wellbeing companies are also moving into the area. Cooperation with the Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa has strengthened the presence of this industry in the area," Kultalaakso says.
COVID-19 hit Hervanta hard
Hervanta’s close ties to Tampere University’s Hervanta campus led to a challenging situation in the area when the COVID-19 pandemic struck
"The university’s presence is one of the area's key drivers. During the COVID-19 years, the closure of the campus and the pandemic itself inevitably impacted the entire area, but now we are looking to the future. In-person teaching has increased, and the university’s facilities are currently being renovated, which may create opportunities for new and more active cooperation between students and companies," Vähämaa says.
What does the future hold for Hervanta?
Over the years, Hervanta’s reputation and popularity have experienced both highs and lows. While the city centre has recently become more popular among businesses, Hervanta stands out for its flexibility, competitive pricing, and the specialized expertise and ecosystems concentrated in the area.
The tramway has shortened the journey from Hervanta to the city centre and made it easier to get around the city, which has made the area more accessible for both employees and companies.
"For companies and their employees, Hervanta offers an environment where day-to-day work runs smoothly. The area has numerous lunch restaurants within walking distance, comprehensive basic services and good parking facilities, which make it a functional location for a wide range of businesses," Kultalaakso says.
According to Kultalaakso, companies in Tampere now require less open-plan office space than before, and they prefer to invest in spaces with individual rooms instead of an open-plan space. In addition, companies are increasingly using professional space planning services and conducting employee surveys to better understand their workspace needs.
"Companies are no longer requesting open-plan offices. Instead, they want individual rooms for teams and projects. The customisable space solutions in Hervanta offer flexibility to meet a wide range of needs. Quiet work areas, collaborative spaces, and comfortable, engaging break rooms that serve all employees are also becoming increasingly important.”
Even buildings that have been quiet for a long time can quickly fill up thanks to the presence of leading companies that other companies want to be located close to. Being close to major players in the same industry is seen as an opportunity to build relationships, share knowledge and create and strengthen partnerships.
"We have seen how small actions can start a positive chain of events. When one pioneering company dares to seize the opportunity, it can increase the attractiveness of the entire area," Vähämaa says.