FAQ
What design principles have been set for the project?
The design principles have been drafted in cooperation with the organisers and the planner. Various relevant city authorities have been widely consulted in drafting the principles. The historical and urban significance of the area is emphasised in the principles. This includes, for example, the definition of certain cityscapes to be preserved and the connection of the competition area to the surrounding buildings. There have been several surveys of the area that are available to the designers.
You take a closer look to the design principles of the project and surrounding area from behind this link (in Finnish): 6284_1_suunnitteluperiaatteet_20200824.pdf
What is being built in the area? Shopping centre, hotel, offices?
New construction in the area includes facilities for commercial, office, service and cultural activities. The first floors of new construction (at least the two lowest floors from the ground level) must be commercial space for retail and services, the upper floors can be office premises. No housing or long-term accommodation activities can be located in the area. Hotel activities as part of the whole are possible.
Why is more office space being added to the area? Is there demand for it in these times?
There is constant demand for high-quality office premises in the Helsinki city centre area. There have been no large-scale office space projects in the city centre in recent years, with the construction of business premises being mainly concentrated outside the downtown area. The Eliel area is a junction point for public transport and a very easily accessible, central location that is guaranteed to be in demand.
What functions will there be at street level?
The first floors of new construction (at least the two lowest floors from the ground level) must be commercial space for retail and services.
What new things will the project bring for city residents?
The project is intended to supplement, harmonise and enliven the urban structure of the Elielinaukio and Asema-aukio area while taking into account its valuable environment. The area will become a lively and comfortable part of the central pedestrian zone as a part of part of a larger renewal of the surroundings of the Helsinki Central Railway Station. The project will significantly improve comfort, safety and connections of the busiest pedestrian environment in central Helsinki.
Will the restaurant Vltava building be preserved?
The building’s valuable characteristics include its original preserved
facades on the south and southwest sides. Primarily, the building will be
preserved or alternatively the most valuable parts will be preserved as part of the design entity.
How tall will the new buildings be?
The area is not a place for high-rise construction, but it has been defined in the master plan as center area with dense urban structure. The new buildings must be compatible with the existing buildings in the area in terms of height. In Elielinaukio, the line of the eaves on Postitalo is the maximum height.
The project has been mentioned to improve the safety of city residents. How?
Rearranging the taxi traffic as well as simplifying the pedestrian and cycling routes and connections of Elielinaukio and Asema-aukio Squares will improve the safety of the area and make cycling and walking more pleasant. The aim of the design process is to develop the area in such a way that the space will become a meeting place, where people enjoy spending time.
What companies are behind the project?
The project is developed by Elielinaukion Kehitys Ltd. The fully Finnish development company consists of the area’s property owners Ilmarinen, OP-Vuokratuotto, VR Group, SOK, Exilion and Evata Partners, a company specialising in real estate development and investment.
Timetable
How will the decision-making process proceed?
Zoning work has been started and after the process the plan will be submitted to the City Council. Target is to put the plan draft for public hearing during 2024 and the plan proposal during 2025. The progress of the zoning work can be followed on the City of Helsinki’s website at kartta.hel.fi/suunnitelmat.
The future of the area
Will Elielinaukio be completely congested?
There will be more space on Elielinaukio as the traffic arrangements in the area change with the reform of the city centre’s transport system. Complementary construction and simpler routes will improve the usability and comfort of the area, especially from the point of view of pedestrians. The project seeks a solution to develop the urban space without compromising its square-like character and the natural pedestrian routes are taken into account. The design principles require the area to be mainly an open square and urban pedestrian zone. Asema-aukio must present itself as a square denoting the entry into the city also in the future.
How long will the construction work last?
The construction is likely to take place in stages as, for example, the area’s traffic arrangements change, and as the functionality of this central city area, the passage of pedestrian and bicycle traffic and the maintenance of the surrounding block need to be secured throughout the project. The construction schedule will be specified after the zoning process when the project to be implemented is known.
Will buses be moved away from Elielinaukio?
The decisions in this matter are made by HSL/City of Helsinki, and the architectural competition does not take a stand on the traffic arrangements as such. The starting point for the development of the area is that the current bus traffic on Elielinaukio can be relocated i.a. to the Kamppi terminal and partly be replaced by new tramlines.
How are pedestrians taken into account?
The area surrounding the railway station is one of the key areas for development in Helsinki in terms of a pedestrian city centre, and the Asema-aukio and Elielinaukio comprise a large part of this. The aim of developing the pedestrian city centre is to ensure the vitality of the downtown area and to create a better setting for staying in the city centre, bustling urban life and city events, as well as to improve the safety and flow of pedestrian traffic.
How are cyclists taken into account?
The cycling network in the city centre is constantly being renewed and improved, and Elielinaukio is a very central and easily accessible location in terms of bicycle traffic as well. The cycling network around Elielinaukio will improve with a cycling tunnel under the railway and new bicycle parking spaces.
Where will taxis and pick-up traffic move to?
The taxi traffic in the area will be clarified later as the traffic plans get ready, but the objective is to move taxis away from the Station Square making more space for pedestrians and bikes.
How are traffic and parking organised?
The traffic arrangements in the station area will change and the role of motorized vehicles will decrease giving more space for pedestrian and bicycle zone improvements. Traffic planning is still on going and the arrangements will be clarified during the detailed planning process.