Overview

Helsinki under construction

Helsinki will continue to expand faster than ever before in coming decades. In the near future, a waterfront route 16 km long will meander along the Helsinki shore. Residents and visitors have excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation activities in an attractive maritime environment.

The next few decades will see the construction of a number of new districts – both on the shores of Helsinki and further inland – along with the expansion of a number of older neighbourhoods. The quality requirements for construction are strict, with a number of ecological concerns, also taken into account when planning new districts and buildings.

Incorporating Helsinki and the cities of Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen, the total population of the Helsinki metropolitan area currently exceeds one million residents. Many completely new neighbourhoods will be built in the region, with the most significant building projects in the areas of Kalasatama, Pasila and Jätkäsaari. These large-scale construction projects will assist in the densification of Helsinki’s urban structure, with the expanded public transportation system connecting the city’s districts in an eco-efficient way.

Urban development projects

The City of Helsinki seeks to develop urban spaces that offer high-quality living and working environments. The development aims at high density and reliance on public transport, while energy-related and environmental aspects will play important roles.

The City of Helsinki is responsible for the building of the new areas’ infrastructure and public service facilities, along with organising traffic. The total investment will be high: in the next three years alone, the City will invest 800 million euros annually.

The total floor space of new offices and commercial facilities will be 2.5 million square metres and new housing 4.5 million square metres.

At present, the Development Division of the Economic and Planning Centre is responsible for the coordination of the city’s development projects. The Division manages and directs the cooperation between different authorities, landowners, builders, business enterprises and residents in the target areas.

Economic and Planning Centre

Key information on the City of Helsinki

City of Helsinki presents major urban development projects (2013)

Helsinki waterfront, the city’s new attractive brand

A short 10-minute tram ride from the city centre, Jätkäsaari enjoys a desirable location next to the open sea, forming the location for the construction of a new housing and business precinct with versatile services in the Western Harbour area. This attractive maritime district is also where people from other areas in of Helsinki too will come to enjoy themselves in their leisure time.

In the eastern part of the inner city, another new city sector, Kalasatama, is being built in the waterfront areas of the Eastern Harbour. Construction commenced in autumn 2008 and shall continue until the 2030s. Furthermore, the old Suvilahti power plant area will be transformed into a cluster of culture and industrial arts.

The typically Finnish rocky shores of Laajasalo are also being developed for future use, with a residential area in proximity to nature under construction in Kruunuvuorenranta. Set amongst beautiful archipelago scenery the area enjoys views across to the historical Suomenlinna sea fortress, with construction taking place between 2013-2025.

Jätkäsaari - West harbour - A long, luscious strip of seashore

Kalasama, culture and life right next to the city centre

Culture, events, businesses in the best sites

Situated immediately next to the CBD, the largest department stores, art institutions, railway and bus stations and the House of Parliament, cultural and recreation oasis “Finlandiapark” and the new Helsinki Music Centre will be erected by Töölönlahti sea inlet. The plan involves forming a cluster of art, culture and events by joining local actors and the new park – essentially with the objective to provide an outdoor living room of sorts to residents and visitors alike. At a later stage, this beautiful site will also be the location of five blocks for service and business purposes. The complex will be completed in 2015.

www.finlandiapuisto.fi

Livening up the old town

Plans are afoot to restore the Southern Harbour waterfront areas into a shape worthy of their location, for all to enjoy; breathing new life into the city’s oldest stone house quarters facing the Cathedral by converting the present offices into multi-purpose premises for the enjoyment of city residents. The plans include the expansion of car-free areas in the inner city and setting up exhibition galleries, shops, cafes and restaurants.

Inland Pasila - Helsinki business and media hub

Both business premises and residences will be built in Pasila. Location at the main intersection of public transportation in the metropolitan area and the whole of Finland makes Pasila the key area of new office construction in Helsinki.

In Viikki science and innovation meet modern ecological living

Stretching around Viikki’s university district and the Science Park, this district incorporates campus areas, office premises, business incubator blocks and the University’s experimental farm. The Latokartano residential area is characterised by urban living surrounded by parks, including an internationally recognised experimental eco-neighbourhood. Located along the Vantaa River, construction has already begun in the Viikinmäki area. When ready in 2015, it will comprise hillside residential blocks and office premises situated by the Lahdenväylä motorway.