Global News
Exclusive | HKU to Establish First European Campus in Barcelona
University of Hong Kong acquires LEED-Gold building in 22@ innovation district, expanding its global footprint
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By Matthew H.
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The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has purchased the newly built Llacuna 28 tower in Barcelona's 22@ innovation district, signalling plans to open its first European campus in 2026, according to Catalan News and The New Barcelona Post (BNP).
8,450 m² LEED Gold-certified building with 4,830 m² of flexible teaching space
JLL brokered the transaction; financial details undisclosed
18th higher-education institution to operate in the 22@ district
Barcelona City Council's investment office began courting HKU during the 2025 Mobile World Congress, helping secure permits and relocation support. The property, designed by Catalan architect Víctor Bergnes de las Casas, features 1,900 m² of terraces and patios across multiple floors.
Founded in 1911, HKU has achieved unprecedented global recognition, climbing to 11th place worldwide in the 2026 QS World University Rankings—up from 17th in 2025. The institution maintains its position as Asia's second-ranked university and recently welcomed over 120 distinguished international scholars in 2024, solidifying its reputation as a global talent hub.
HKU's Business School ranks 13th globally in the 2024 Financial Times research ranking, while the university boasts 53 Clarivate highly cited researchers—10th among global institutions. The institution maintains extensive partnerships with UCL, Cambridge, Stanford, and Yale through joint programmes and research centers.
Local stakeholders welcomed the expansion. "HKU's arrival cements 22@ as an international knowledge hub," said Isabel Sabadí, director of the 22@Network business association. JLL's Javier Fernández noted that office demand in the district could finish the year 30% above 2024 levels thanks to education and technology tenants.
Course offerings and opening dates is expected to be announced following Spanish regulatory approvals. The Barcelona campus will complement HKU's mission to serve as "Asia's global university" while providing European students access to world-class Asian perspectives on business, technology, and innovation.
