The detailed plan proposal for the development of Elielinaukio and Asema-aukio – enabling the Uusi Eliel project – was approved for public viewing by the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Committee on February 3, 2026.
Elielinaukio and its surroundings will undergo significant development as part of the New Eliel project. In particular, pedestrian conditions and the overall attractiveness of the area will improve as space currently allocated to vehicular traffic is transformed into a pedestrian zone. At the same time, service traffic will be relocated underground, further enhancing the area’s functionality and safety.
In line with the City of Helsinki’s urban strategy, efforts are being made to strengthen the vitality of the city centre not only by expanding the pedestrian zone but also by increasing the supply of services and office space. Through the New Eliel project, the very heart of the city centre — in one of the most accessible locations in terms of public transport — will gain both activating services and high-demand modern office space. The high-quality architecture designed by Snøhetta plays a central role in achieving the project’s key objectives.
When deciding to place the detailed plan proposal on public display, the Urban Environment Committee required that the project’s financial viability, the functionality of drop-off and taxi arrangements, and the conditions for increasing greenery be ensured. In addition, the importance of ongoing cooperation with HSL in planning public transport changes was emphasized.
The revised detailed plan proposal is intended to be submitted to the City Council for approval at the end of 2026.
Further information:
Elielinaukion kehitys Oy
Vesa Olkkola, CEO
[email protected]
+358 40 544 2321