Oulun kaupunki Awards €49.07M Main Construction Contract for New Aquatic Centre to Sakela Rakennus Oy

Oulun kaupunki, a local authority operating in general public services, has awarded a contract for the main construction works of the new Oulu aquatic centre. The value of all contracts awarded in this notice is €49,071,051.00, covering construction work and construction work for swimming pools, with an estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033. The contract was awarded following an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Introduction

Oulun kaupunki requested tenders for the contract described in the title of the Oulu aquatic centre. This procurement comprises the construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre near the Oulu city centre area in the Raksila district. The contract form of the project is a divided contract with sub-contract subordination conditions. The main contractor acts as the project's main implementer. The contracting entity is responsible for the design of the project in accordance with the procurement documents.

The contract procurement according to this notice comprises the MAIN CONTRACT of the divided contract, whose estimated value exceeds the EU threshold value (Construction contracts) of €5,404,000.00 (VAT 0%) laid down in section 26 of the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts 1397/2016. The main contract includes all necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works in accordance with the procurement documents. The tasks belonging to the main implementer and other tasks included in the contract are described in the procurement documents. The sub-contracts subordinated to the main contract are described in the procurement documents. The aquatic centre's sub-contracts are announced in separate contract notices: pipe contract (PU); water treatment contract (VKU); ventilation and building automation contract (IU+RAU); and electrical contract (SU).

The new Oulu aquatic centre will be built mainly on the site of the demolished swimming hall and will replace the Oulu swimming hall previously demolished (in 2025). The spatial programme takes into account the pool capacity of the Raatti swimming hall, and thus the Oulu aquatic centre, when completed, will be one of the largest (if not the largest) in Finland by pool surface area. The town plan amendment enabling the project was made during 2025, and the project was granted a building permit on 25.2.2026. The project is exceptionally demanding in terms of complexity. The tenderer is responsible for fulfilling the conditions of the building permit, including with regard to responsible persons (VTJ, KVV and IV). For other site management, the requirements of the Construction Management document are followed. Construction is preliminarily scheduled for 2026–2029 (if the procurements and contract agreements are realised according to the planned schedule). The calculation material related to the procurement is distributed through separate annexes and download links.

The procedure was an open procedure and was not accelerated. The procurement follows the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts (1397/2016). The procurement is an EU threshold value exceeding procurement. The procurement procedure proceeds as follows: 1. verification of the tenderer's suitability and the compliance of the tenders with the request for tenders; 2. comparison; 3. procurement decision and notification. No compensation is paid to tenderers for preparing a tender, presenting it or other participation in the procedure. The procurement contract is only concluded upon signature of a written contract. The contracting entity may interrupt the procurement procedure in part or in full for a real and justified reason (Procurement Act section 125). The contracting entity may reject an exceptionally low tender in relation to the quality and scope of the procurement as provided in section 96 of the Procurement Act.

The procurement project is not financed with EU funds but is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No framework agreement and no dynamic purchasing system are used. The options are in accordance with the procurement documents. Additional procurement opportunities are in accordance with the procurement descriptions and other procurement documents. The procedure identifier is b9821fd9-e285-4aaa-97b4-942f4694fb9b and the internal identifier is OUKA/1069/02.08.01/2019. A previous notice was published under identifier fb995a64-6250-4bed-a151-778a1761377a-01.

Four tenders were received, all submitted electronically, of which one from a medium tenderer. One winner was appointed: Sakela Rakennus Oy (medium enterprise). Subcontracting is not yet known. The contract was concluded on 14/08/2026 with contract identifier OUKA/1069/02.08.01/2019.

The award criterion is Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total), with reference to the request for tenders.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre in the Raksila district, supporting general public services and providing one of Finland's largest aquatic facilities by pool surface area.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports Public Services: Provides the main construction works for the new Oulu aquatic centre
• Significant Value: €49,071,051.00 value of all contracts awarded
• Long-Term Commitment: Estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Comprehensive Scope: All necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works, with subordinated sub-contracts for piping, water treatment, ventilation and building automation, and electrical works
• Price-Based Evaluation: Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total)
• Competition: 4 tenders received, all submitted electronically, of which 1 from a medium tenderer
• SME Participation: Winner is a medium-sized enterprise
• Exceptional Complexity: The project is exceptionally demanding, with building permit granted on 25.2.2026

Contract Timeline

• Estimated start date: 24/08/2026
• Duration end date: 30/06/2033
• Building permit granted: 25/02/2026
• Contract concluded: 14/08/2026
• Construction preliminarily scheduled: 2026–2029
• Notice dispatch date: 29/10/2026 12:53:07 (UTC+02:00)
• Notice dispatch date (eSender): 29/10/2026 10:53:09 (UTC+00:00)
• Notice published: 30 October 2026 (OJ S 211/2026)

Contract Overview

Oulun kaupunki conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU.

Key features include:

• One lot: LOT-0000
• Value of all contracts awarded: €49,071,051.00
• Duration: 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Framework type: No framework agreement
• Evaluation: Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total)
• Winner: Sakela Rakennus Oy (medium enterprise)
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes

Key Contract Details

• Main classification: 45000000 Construction work
• Additional classification: 45212212 Construction work for swimming pool
• Place of performance: Oulu, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (FI1D9), Finland
• Postcode: 90130
• Procedure identifier: b9821fd9-e285-4aaa-97b4-942f4694fb9b
• Internal identifier: OUKA/1069/02.08.01/2019
• Type of procedure: Open
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Legal basis: Directive 2014/24/EU; Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts 1397/2016
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus (review deadline 14 days)
• Options: In accordance with the procurement documents

Lot Structure

Lot 1 – Oulun (uusi) vesiliikuntakeskus, Jaetun urakan Pää-/rakennusurakka

• Title: Oulun (uusi) vesiliikuntakeskus, Jaetun urakan Pää-/rakennusurakka
• Description: Construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre near the Oulu city centre area in the Raksila district, as a divided contract with sub-contract subordination conditions, with the main contractor acting as the project's main implementer. The main contract includes all necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works in accordance with the procurement documents. The subordinated sub-contracts are pipe contract (PU), water treatment contract (VKU), ventilation and building automation contract (IU+RAU) and electrical contract (SU). The aquatic centre will be built mainly on the site of the demolished swimming hall and will replace the Oulu swimming hall demolished in 2025; when completed it will be one of the largest (if not the largest) in Finland by pool surface area. The project is exceptionally demanding; the tenderer is responsible for fulfilling the building permit conditions, including responsible persons (VTJ, KVV and IV), with other site management following the Construction Management document. Construction is preliminarily scheduled for 2026–2029.
• Internal identifier: OUKA/1069/02.08.01/2019
• Value of all contracts awarded: €49,071,051.00
• Winner: Sakela Rakennus Oy
• Tenders received: 4 (all electronic; 1 from a medium tenderer)
• Contract concluded: 14/08/2026
• Duration: 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Contract identifier: OUKA/1069/02.08.01/2019

Lot Summary Table

Lot	Title	Value (€)	Winner	Tenders
1	Oulun (uusi) vesiliikuntakeskus, Jaetun urakan Pää-/rakennusurakka	49,071,051.00	Sakela Rakennus Oy	4
Total		49,071,051.00

Scope of Supply

The contract covers the following supplies and services:

• Main Construction Works: All necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works in accordance with the procurement documents
• Main Implementer Role: The main contractor acts as the project's main implementer, with the tasks belonging to the main implementer described in the procurement documents
• Subordinated Sub-Contracts: Pipe contract (PU), water treatment contract (VKU), ventilation and building automation contract (IU+RAU) and electrical contract (SU)
• Aquatic Centre Construction: Construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre in the Raksila district, mainly on the site of the demolished swimming hall
• Building Permit Conditions: Fulfilment of the building permit conditions, including responsible persons (VTJ, KVV and IV)
• Construction Work: Works under CPV 45000000, with additional classification 45212212 Construction work for swimming pool

Special Procurement Conditions

• Price Criterion (100): Hinta (fixed value, total), with reference to the request for tenders
• No Framework Agreement: No framework agreement
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• Duration: 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Options: In accordance with the procurement documents; additional procurement opportunities in accordance with the procurement descriptions and other procurement documents
• Procurement Procedure: Verification of suitability and compliance, comparison, procurement decision and notification; no compensation for tender preparation; contract concluded only upon signature of a written contract
• Interruption and Rejection: The contracting entity may interrupt the procedure in part or in full for a real and justified reason (Procurement Act section 125) and may reject an exceptionally low tender (section 96)
• No Dynamic Purchasing System: No dynamic purchase system

About the Contracting Authority

Oulun kaupunki is a local authority operating in general public services in Finland.

• Legal type: Local authority
• Activity: General public services
• Registration number: 0187690-1
• Location: Oulun kaupunki, Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (FI1D9), Finland
• Postcode: 90015
• Contact point: Ville Laitinen
• Email: ville.laitinen@ouka.fi
• Telephone: +358 503045954
• Internet address: https://www.ouka.fi/

About the Winning Supplier

Sakela Rakennus Oy is a medium-sized enterprise based in Kajaani, Finland, specialising in construction work.

• Size: Medium
• Registration number: 2767845-2
• Location: Kajaani, Kainuu (FI1D8), Finland
• Postcode: 87400
• Subcontracting: Not yet known

Evaluation Criteria

The lot uses the following evaluation criteria:

• Price (100): Hinta (fixed value, total), with reference to the request for tenders

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Act on Public Procurement and Concession Contracts 1397/2016
• Competition: 4 tenders received, all submitted electronically, of which 1 from a medium tenderer
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding: The procurement project was not financed with EU funds
• No framework agreement: No framework agreement
• No dynamic purchasing system used
• Accelerated procedure: No
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus (review deadline 14 days)

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
• No EU funds were used for this procurement
• The value of all contracts awarded in this notice is €49,071,051.00
• The procurement is divided into one lot, comprising the main contract of the divided contract
• Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total) is the evaluation criterion
• 4 tenders were received, all submitted electronically, of which 1 from a medium tenderer
• The winner is a medium-sized enterprise
• Subcontracting is not yet known
• The estimated duration is 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• The main contract includes all necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works
• The subordinated sub-contracts are pipe contract (PU), water treatment contract (VKU), ventilation and building automation contract (IU+RAU) and electrical contract (SU), announced in separate contract notices
• The contract was concluded on 14/08/2026
• The new aquatic centre will be built mainly on the site of the demolished swimming hall and will replace the Oulu swimming hall demolished in 2025
• The aquatic centre will be one of the largest (if not the largest) in Finland by pool surface area when completed
• The project was granted a building permit on 25.2.2026 and is exceptionally demanding in terms of complexity
• Construction is preliminarily scheduled for 2026–2029

Market & Industry Perspective

The Finnish public sector construction market features a mix of small, medium and large enterprises. Construction of large aquatic centres is essential for public recreation and general public services.

Key trends in this market include:

• Price-based evaluation: Hinta (100, fixed value total)
• SME participation: Winner is a medium-sized enterprise
• Comprehensive scope: Earthworks, building construction and yard works, with subordinated sub-contracts for piping, water treatment, ventilation and building automation, and electrical works
• Long-term project: Estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Specialised works: Construction work for swimming pools
• Divided contract: Main contract with sub-contract subordination conditions

Economic Significance

At €49,071,051.00, this contract represents a significant investment in the new Oulu aquatic centre. The contract will:

• Supports Public Services: Provide the main construction works for the new Oulu aquatic centre
• Support SME: Sakela Rakennus Oy is a medium-sized enterprise
• Provide Long-Term Delivery: Estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Ensure Aquatic Facility: Deliver one of Finland's largest aquatic centres by pool surface area
• Enable Operational Efficiency: Divided contract with sub-contract subordination conditions and a main implementer role
• Support Regional Development: Contribute to the construction market in the Pohjois-Pohjanmaa region

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Sub-Contracts: The subordinated sub-contracts (PU, VKU, IU+RAU and SU) are announced in separate contract notices
• Options: Options in accordance with the procurement documents
• Additional Procurement Opportunities: In accordance with the procurement descriptions and other procurement documents
• Re-tender: Expected if the contract is terminated
• Related Works: Additional construction and aquatic facility procurements
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Sakela Rakennus Oy (subcontracting not yet known)

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for construction suppliers:

• Sub-Contracts: Prepare for the separate contract notices for the subordinated sub-contracts (PU, VKU, IU+RAU and SU)
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with Sakela Rakennus Oy
• Related Works: Other construction and aquatic facility procurements
• Other Finnish Public Sector Bodies: Similar construction procurements
• Other Municipal Organisations: Monitor further aquatic centre and construction opportunities

What Businesses Should Watch

• Oulun kaupunki's future procurement notices
• Other Finnish public sector construction tenders
• Construction market trends
• Changes to Finnish procurement regulations
• Aquatic centre and swimming pool construction developments
• Further construction opportunities in the public sector

FinlandTenders.com Procurement Intelligence

This main construction contract for the new Oulu aquatic centre is a notable example of Finnish public sector procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €49,071,051.00 value of all contracts awarded
• Price-based evaluation: Hinta (100, fixed value total)
• SME winner: Sakela Rakennus Oy (medium enterprise)
• One lot: Main contract of the divided contract
• Competition: 4 tenders received, of which 1 from a medium tenderer
• Long-term project: Estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Comprehensive scope: Earthworks, building construction and yard works, with subordinated sub-contracts
• Specialised works: Construction work for swimming pools

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: 100 price-based evaluation
• Construction expertise: Ability to deliver large-scale aquatic centre construction
• Main implementer capability: Ability to act as the project's main implementer with sub-contract subordination
• Building permit compliance: Ability to fulfil building permit conditions, including responsible persons (VTJ, KVV and IV)
• Public sector experience: Understanding of Finnish municipal construction requirements

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – evaluation is entirely price-based
• Showcase large-scale construction and aquatic centre expertise
• Demonstrate main implementer capability
• Demonstrate building permit compliance capability
• Develop public sector experience with Finnish municipal authorities
• Monitor Oulun kaupunki and Finnish public sector procurement opportunities
• Prepare for the separate sub-contract notices and future procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• Oulun kaupunki awarded a €49,071,051.00 main construction contract for the new Oulu aquatic centre to Sakela Rakennus Oy
• One lot: Oulun (uusi) vesiliikuntakeskus, Jaetun urakan Pää-/rakennusurakka
• Duration: 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033
• Evaluation: Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total)
• 4 tenders received, all submitted electronically, of which 1 from a medium tenderer
• Winner is a medium-sized enterprise
• Subcontracting: Not yet known
• No EU funding
• Covered by GPA: Yes
• No framework agreement
• Comprehensive scope: earthworks, building construction and yard works, with subordinated sub-contracts for piping, water treatment, ventilation and building automation, and electrical works
• Contract concluded on 14/08/2026
• The aquatic centre will be one of the largest in Finland by pool surface area when completed
• Building permit granted on 25/2/2026; construction preliminarily scheduled for 2026–2029

Conclusion

This main construction contract ensures the construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre in the Raksila district, supporting general public services and providing one of Finland's largest aquatic facilities by pool surface area. By awarding the contract to Sakela Rakennus Oy, Oulun kaupunki secures a reliable medium-sized enterprise supplier with the capability to deliver comprehensive main construction works.

The 100 price-based evaluation reflects the price-driven nature of this construction procurement, where cost is the decisive differentiator among qualified suppliers. The duration to 30/06/2033, the comprehensive scope with subordinated sub-contracts and the exceptionally demanding nature of the project reflect the specific operational and strategic context of the aquatic centre construction.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, construction expertise, main implementer capability, building permit compliance, and public sector experience in winning Finnish public sector construction contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the contracting authority?

Ans: Oulun kaupunki, a local authority operating in general public services in Finland.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: Value of all contracts awarded in this notice: €49,071,051.00.

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: Sakela Rakennus Oy, a medium-sized enterprise based in Kajaani, Finland.

Q: What supplies and services are covered?

Ans: The main contract of the divided contract for the construction of the new Oulu aquatic centre, including all necessary earthworks, building construction and yard works, with subordinated sub-contracts for pipe contract (PU), water treatment contract (VKU), ventilation and building automation contract (IU+RAU) and electrical contract (SU).

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price – Hinta (100, fixed value total), with reference to the request for tenders.

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: Estimated duration from 24/08/2026 to 30/06/2033.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: Four tenders received, all submitted electronically, of which one from a medium tenderer.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement project is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: Markkinaoikeus (review deadline 14 days).

Q: What is the lot structure?

Ans: One lot – LOT-0000 (Oulun (uusi) vesiliikuntakeskus, Jaetun urakan Pää-/rakennusurakka).

Q: Is subcontracting allowed?

Ans: Subcontracting is not yet known.

Q: What is the main CPV classification?

Ans: 45000000 Construction work; additional classification 45212212 Construction work for swimming pool.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 753820-2026, OJ S 211/2026, published 30 October 2026.

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