Lakari Data Centre Project Agreements to Be Considered by the City Board
News
The City Board of Rauma will consider a set of agreements negotiated with Fortum regarding the Lakari data centre area on Monday, 21 September 2026. The agreements define the key principles for developing the area, the responsibilities of the parties involved, and the conditions governing the project’s progress. Approval of the agreements would enable the project to move to its next phase, but it would not yet mean that data centre construction will begin.
The agreements concern a project area of approximately 230 hectares within the Lakari local detailed plan area, which has been designated for the development of data centre operations. The local detailed plan for the area was approved by the City Council on 27 April 2026 and became legally binding in June 2026.
Agreements Define the Terms of Development
The negotiated package includes agreements related to land leasing, a preliminary real estate transaction agreement, and responsibilities concerning the developing of the area.
– The area is intended to be developed in phases under a long-term land lease arrangement. Construction obligations will ensure the active development of the site and prevent it from remaining unused. If these obligations are not met, the agreements include provisions that protect the City’s interests, says Esko Poikela, Mayor of Rauma.
The agreements also define responsibilities for infrastructure development in the area and the allocation of related costs between the parties. The aim is for the project developer to bear the majority of these costs.
In addition, the agreements include provisions designed to manage the City’s risks, such as construction-related requirements, security arrangements and terms addressing the potential suspension of the project.
Local Detailed Plan Enables Phased Development
The Lakari planning area is located in the north-eastern industrial district of Rauma. Development of the area requires the coordinated implementation of infrastructure as well as preparations for power and other utility networks. Key advantages of the site include a transmission grid substation, available power capacity, excellent transport connections and land zoned for industrial use.
– Rauma’s strength in investment projects lies in long-term cooperation and trust. The goal is to find solutions that support both the City’s objectives and those of the project developer over the long term, Poikela states.
If the City Board approves the agreements on 21 September 2026, the matter will proceed to the City Council for consideration on 28 September 2026.
Approval of the agreements does not yet mean that an investment or construction decision has been made. The project will still require the agreements to enter into force, the completion of the necessary permitting processes, and a final investment decision by the future data centre operator. The final data centre operator has not yet been announced.
