Photo: 3D Render / City Planning Department Helsinki
Ready for Big Time
Powered by Vision 2050, Helsinki’ s new city plan is a strong enabler for growth
In October 2016, the Helsinki City Council approved the new city plan after a heated six-hour discussion – during the night, the councillors took the floor nearly 150 times. But, as the dust settled, there was a brand new city plan which promises to steer the development of Helsinki far into the future.
T he purpose of the plan is to provide
the preconditions for growth, housing production and economic development. The reservations made in the plan enable Helsinki to grow to at least 860,000 residents and 560,000 jobs by 2050.
But why is the city plan subject to such intense debate? Well, the Helsinki city plan is a comprehensive, general plan for future land use, laying out the guidelines and basis for zoning. Every detailed plan is drawn in an interactive process and requires approval by the City Council. This city plan map and its markings guide city planning until approximately 2030, or until a new city plan is drawn up.
Also, the city plan does not exactly materialise overnight. This particular proposal was prepared for over four years under the guidance of the City Planning Committee. Along the way, Helsinki residents participated in the preparation at various events and meetings and by giving feedback in the form of opinions and commentary.
28 Nordicum