Square in front of university’s main building will get a fresh look this summer

The renovation of the area in front of the university’s main building has begun. The work will be done in several stages and last until early autumn.

From May, the wall with the bollards and chains is renovated. From 16 May to 6 June, the main building’s six pillars will be refurbished. After the graduation ceremonies, starting from 26 June, more extensive work will begin in front of the main building – the existing asphalt will be removed, new utility lines will be laid, and the landscaping will be renewed.

According to Director of Administration of the University of Tartu Kstina Noormets, the square in front of the main building is one of the most important places for the City of Tartu and Estonian education – every year, thousands of students start their university studies or receive their graduation diploma here. “In renovating the square, we follow the principles of sustainability, using durable and environmentally friendly materials. We are also building convenient bicycle parking facilities to encourage cycling. We want to create a vibrant urban space in front of the main building that is equally inviting to our students and staff as well as the residents and guests of Tartu,” said Noormets.

From 26 June to 31 August, the main entrance of the main building will be closed, and the area in front of the main building will not be accessible. During this period, the building can be entered from the courtyard or through the side door closest to the café. After the graduation ceremonies, the bicycle racks will be moved to the courtyard and next to the side door.

The construction works planned for July may be noisy. If possible, staff are advised to work in rooms with windows opening to the courtyard, or do remote work. Short-term electricity and internet outages will also occur, of which staff will be notified well in advance.

Although in 2023, the City of Tartu planned to rebuild Ülikooli street at the same time as the renovation in front of the main building, this summer, only the university will carry out renovation work on the square in front of the main building. The street will not be affected by renovation this year.