The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has chosen Barcelona for its first campus in Europe, securing a newly built 8,500-square-metre property in the city’s 22@ innovation district. The acquisition marks a major step for one of Asia’s top academic institutions, which has been ranked first in the continent and 13th globally for its business school by the Financial Times.
The transaction, advised by property consultancy JLL and supported by the Barcelona City Council’s Investment Office, comes after early contacts were made during the 2025 Mobile World Congress. According to municipal sources, Barcelona ultimately won out over Madrid after the university was offered guidance on planning permissions, business setup and relocation logistics for its staff.
Founded in 1911, HKU is the oldest university in Hong Kong, originally focused on medicine but now spanning disciplines from arts and architecture to engineering, law, social sciences and business. While details of which courses will be taught in Barcelona have not yet been confirmed, city officials see the decision as a major vote of confidence in Barcelona’s role as a hub for talent and investment.
The new campus, designed by architect Víctor Bergnes de las Casas and developed by Grupo Bega, sits on Carrer de Llacuna in the heart of 22@. Javier Fernández, JLL’s Director of Capital Markets Offices in Spain, described the move as ‘a highly positive operation for Barcelona that strengthens its position as a magnet for talent and international investment’.
The deal also signals renewed strength in Spain’s office investment market, with HKU’s arrival expected to boost the city’s international profile in education and research.
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