Kristiinankaupunki's technical committee has formalized a preliminary reservation agreement with technology firm Scale42, which is planning to build a data center in the East Side industrial area. This agreement comes in the wake of increasing interest in the East Side area, with the city receiving five proposals for new projects. The proposals were evaluated based on criteria such as timeline, financing, employment impact, and willingness to cooperate, with Scale42's project deemed most aligned with the city's objectives.

The technical director, Anton Ragnäs, emphasized that the establishment of such a facility will not only bolster the city's competitiveness but also its role in the green transition. The commitment shown by Scale42 to collaborate with local stakeholders was highlighted as a significant factor in choosing this proposal. This is seen as a strategic move towards building a sustainable future and ensuring the city is prepared for future generations.

The reservation agreement is set to last until February 2027 and includes conditions that will be monitored as the city progresses with its zoning plans. Once the zoning plan is complete, Scale42 will have the opportunity to reserve, lease, or purchase the industrial area, which indicates further development and investment in Kristiinankaupunki's infrastructure, contributing to economic growth in the region.