Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2014 | Page 19

nal version. The process involved a lot of
discussions as to what are the key guidelines which will steer the development in
the years and decades to come.
“One has to keep in mind that a project of this magnitude could be 40 years in
the making. We needed to make sure that
the foundation is solid.”

Anchoring Success
Finally, three things surfaced as “anchors”
for the development project. First, there is
the scenic element: the majestic scenery of
Ylläs that every patron must be able to experience, regardless of their choice of lodgings.
Second, the neighbourhood also features two authentic villages where the natives have been living for ages, giving the
area roots and sense of tradition.
“In total, the villages of Ylläs and
Äkäslompolo feature about 1,000 residents
and they continue to be active, vibrant local
communities,” Oikarinen says, adding that
the planning effort will respect this and safeguard the continuity aspects.
Third issue on the list is energy efficiency: as the villages are to be built relative high-up, above the tree level, they are
exposed to the sometimes fierce winds of
the fell. Optimal positioning of the building masses will go a long away to make sure
that wind chill does not mean a spike in the
heating bills.
“For heating purposes, we are looking
for a modern, centralised solution,” Oikarinen says, adding that thermal heating is one
potent option, but it’s too early in the game
to say anything certain yet.

Killer Concept
It is clear that Metsähallitus has spared no
effort to create a solid concept for Ylläs.
But what kind of perks are expected to woo
the patrons in the future, then? Oikarinen
reveals that there is a golf course in the
works, as well as a bigger spa to complement the existing, smaller spa operation at
Iso-Ylläs.
“The new spa is a good example of the
synergy power of the concept: by itself, a spa
has a hard time turning profit, but as a part
of a greater whole, it is an important piece
of the puzzle and is able to thrive.”
As it stands, the first zoning plan for
the new village is in the works, and the
first 20,000 square metres worth of building rights are to be verified in 2014. On IsoYlläs side, the zoning plan process is under
way for the whole area and it will be verified one piece at a time, as need be.
“We are following the master plan in

this and letting the market situation drive
the schedule,” Oikarinen says.

Start Your Engines
In recent years, the level of investments in
Lapland has not exactly been in the throughthe-roof category, so Metsähallitus is waiting for more favourable economic winds to
kick-start the mega-project.
“But when the market is ready, we
are going to be ready as well. We have that
capability to move forward when the time
comes,” Oikarinen says. The projections
made for Ylläs area in 2020, for example,
predict intense growth and Oikarinen sees
no reason whatsoever why Ylläs shouldn’t
be among the winner travel destinations of
the future, as well.
“For Lapland – and, in wider context,
Finland – Ylläs is just about the best thing
we have to offer in terms of pure nature and
pure experience,” he believes.

Metsähallitus Laatumaa

L

aatumaa is a business unit of Metsähallitus, which sells and leases plots located
in a variety of areas, ranging from tourist centres to shore landscapes. Laatumaa
offers around 1,000 personal plot options across Finland, from south to north. In
addition to plots for holiday homes, Laatumaa sells forest properties large and small
as well as cosy lodges in the wilderness.
The organisation – which employs 50 professionals – also offers planned sites
in several tourist centre areas, even for extensive tourist service concepts. In addition, Laatumaa is engaged in project development in the wind power bus