Kalasatama

Construction

Kalasatama will be built in the middle of an existing compact urban structure. Construction has already commenced and it is one of the biggest development projects in Helsinki.

Kalasatama is a former harbour and industrial area of approximately 175 hectares of waterfront on the eastern side of the city centre owned by the City of Helsinki. While there is still some manufacturing occurring here, the harbour was moved to make room for the construction of residential and office buildings. The completion of construction is estimated to occur in the 2030s. A total of 5,000-7,000 housing units (720,000m²) will be built, along with 535,000m² of office premises.

Kalasatama in 2011. Picture Tero Pajukallio

The completion of construction is estimated to occur in the 2030s. Picture: Jarmo Roiko-Jokela

Image gallery:

Conceptual drawing of Kalasatama. Picture:Voima Graphics

Capella Boulevard. Picture: Jarmo Roiko-Jokela

In addition to blocks of flats also several connected townhouses will be constructed. Picture Roiko-Jokela

Kalasatama is an area of 175 hectares of waterfront. Picture: Jarmo Roiko-Jokela

535,000 square meters of office premises will be built in Kalasatama. Picture: Helin & Co Arkkitehdit

Streets and parks

A park extending from the metro quarter to the shore will be built in the southern part of the area. The central park of Kalasatama will cover 3.5 hectares of land, offering an area for relaxation, where many events will also be held.

The wedge-shaped park runs through the centre of the precinct, offering a fine view to the south towards downtown Helsinki, lined by a recreational area, playground and school.

The first phase of the park is to be constructed between 2014–2015. In future, a new 6km long light-traffic route along the waterfront will connect Kalasatama to the city centre. Kalasatama is also connected to the old urban structure with a bridge.

The central park of Kalasatama. Picture Roiko-Jokela

Kukon ja kanan puisto Park. Picture City Planning Department

Transport

Traffic plans are based on excellent accessibility, both by public transport and private cars. Effective public transport options enable eco-friendly cohabitation of both companies and residents in Kalasatama.

The public transport system is based on the development of the metro and other connecting services. A new mini terminal in the metro station will serve as an intersection of public transport in the future, connecting Kalasatama to the city centre and other parts of the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Metro

After opening in 2007, a metro station already currently serves the Kalasatama area. In the 2030s, after construction is completed, some 23,000 passengers daily are estimated to pass through Kalasatama station.

Tramline and bus

Tramlines and new bus routes will serve Kalasatama in future.

Light traffic

An extensive bicycle path network is planned for the area. It will provide environmentally friendly transport options for residents. The main avenues and collector streets will be adorned with bicycle paths, along with waterfront promenades serving cyclists and leisurely strollers.

Car traffic

Kalasatama is easily accessible by car from every direction, as it is located in the intersection of two highways. A tunnel to serve motor vehicle traffic is being considered.

Parking

There will be parking garages and parking spaces in the streets. A garage will be built within the metro station and shopping centre. In the residential blocks, parking will be organised in aboveground parking spaces or underground garages. There will also be parking spaces in the streets for clients and visitors for car sharing services.

In addition, one ecological vehicle-free block complete with a green park will be built in the Kalasatama area.