Housing

Jätkäsaari is one of the most significant new precincts being developed in Helsinki in the 2010s. With construction continuing in an area that was earlier occupied by a cargo port, this exceptional waterfront district is being redeveloped into a pleasant and lively part of the Helsinki central city area.

As a lively area where work, living, leisure time and recreation are intertwined, Jätkäsaari is connected to the central city area by a tram service. Traces of its original manifestation will not be completely erased, however, with both the open sea and the harbour’s lingering original impression continuing to give a distinctive feel to the new Jätkäsaari.

The feeling of a cosmopolitan city life will be achieved by building dense one-entrance blocks and “Parisian-style” roof-level apartments. Also, space will be provided for small street-front shops and sidewalk cafés, with main streets of the area representing modern updates of traditional boulevards.

Housing for a variety of different needs

People of all ages shall reside in Jätkäsaari, enjoying a well-balanced social structure, with both the needs of the elderly and those of young families with children taken into consideration during the planning process. Various kinds of housing are on offer: it will be possible to rent or buy, and both small apartments and family-size homes will be available. Construction commenced in 2010.

See also: The Housing Production Department is the Helsinki city organization in charge of the City's housing development.
 

Jätkäsaari is being redeveloped into a pleasant area. Picture 3D Render
Space will be provided for small street-front shops and sidewalk cafés. Picture 3DRender
People of all ages will be living in Jätkäsaari. Picture Olli Sarlin
Space will be provided for small street-front shops and sidewalk cafés. Picture 3DRender
Jätkäsaari is being redeveloped into a pleasant area. Picture 3D Render
Jätkäsaari will be a lively arera. Picture Olli Sarlin

Services

Several schools and day care centres will be constructed in Jätkäsaari, as well as excellent sports facilities.

In the near future, services available in the area will include schools, day care centres, a public library, a sports centre and a Lutheran chapel. Health services will be located in the neighbouring district.

There are plans for several schools: the first one will be built next to a big sports centre, on the east side of Jätkäsaari. There will be several day care centres in the area. One of the central blocks may be reserved for health and wellness services.

The youngest residents of Jätkäsaari will receive their own “Children’s House”, where a school (grades 1-2) and a day care centre will be located. It is to be built between 2012 and 2013. The planning and construction of a comprehensive school will most likely begin three to four years after the Children’s House.

In addition, one of the old buildings in the area has been renovated and it serves now as a fire station and an information centre on the construction process.

A bathing beach is planned at the southern tip of Hyväntoivonpuisto Park.
Several parks will be built in Jätkäsaari. Picture: Olli Sarlin

Sports and leisure

Jätkäsaari will have excellent sports facilities. The paths along the waterfront, as well as the large park winding across the area, will provide wonderful opportunities for outdoor activities.

A former harbour warehouse, “Bunkkeri”, will be renovated to become an impressive sports centre with an outdoor sports park next to it, offering numerous opportunities for activities.

The City of Helsinki has decided that in all new waterfront areas, the shores will remain accessible to everyone, with a number of pedestrian paths offering great views of the open sea hugging the coast. A handful of canals, as well as a marina and a small bay area with a beach will further contribute to the maritime feel of Jätkäsaari.

Central park

Several parks will be built in Jätkäsaari. The largest, “Hyväntoivonpuisto” (Park of Good Hope), will enjoy a length of over one kilometre, passing through the entire precinct for use by residents for sport or relaxation at any time of the day.

The park and the residential blocks around it form a large pedestrian zone. Leading to the shore and to other parks, this vehicle-free area will form the main pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfare in the area. The level of the ground will be raised higher in the park than in the surrounding areas, and there will be pedestrian and bicycle overpasses also constructed to avoid disruptive traffic intersections with main streets.

Sports facilities for every taste

A former harbour warehouse will become a sports and leisure centre called “Bunkkeri” (The Bunker). With the building’s seven stories each as large as a football field, there will be room to house a swimming pool, a hall for ball games and some dance studios. There will also be premises for a library and other cultural activities.

South of The Bunker, a five-hectare sports park will be built with facilities for many kinds of sports, including volleyball, streetball, tennis and athletics.

Cultural activities

Cultural services of Jätkäsaari will include a public library, alongside a wide range of cultural and entertainment opportunities available minutes away in the centre of Helsinki.

Hyväntoivonpuisto, “Park of Good Hope”, will pass through the whole area. Picture: VSU arkkitehtuuri ja vihrersuunnittelu Oy
A former harbor warehouse, “Bunkkeri” will be renovated to sports center.