High quality of living
Helsinki is one of the cleanest cities in Europe according to many international studies, rated high in health and sanitation with some of the best drinking water in the world.
Helsinki offers its residents many alternatives of housing to suit different lifestyles and life situations.
On a growth track
Helsinki is a fast growing metropolitan area. The city of Helsinki showed 0.4 percent annual growth for the first decade of the 21st century. Helsinki’s foreign-born population is growing particularly fast.
Housing construction and development of new areas for housing are key priorities for the City. To meet the need for housing and to secure adequate workforce in the city, Helsinki aims at 5,000 new housing units per year representing a wide variety of ownership models.
Sustainability is a key consideration in all development.
Planning and development in Helsinki aim at harmonious urban environments with varied types of housing. New districts are developed on the principle of mixed use – mixing housing with commerce and services, as well as mixing various types of housing. Mixed use can allow people to live and work in the same neighbourhood, minimizing needs for commuting. There is a heavy emphasis on public transport.
New districts
New housing and working districts are emerging in areas vacated from former port and industrial operations, many of these on the waterfront.
These districts include Jätkäsaari, a former container harbour site, which will be home to 16,000 residents and provide jobs for 6,000 by around 2025.
A similar development is underway in Kalasatama, slated to provide homes for 18,000 and jobs for 10,000 by around 2035.
Kruunuvuorenranta, a waterfront district vacated from oil storage tanks, will be transformed into a pleasant residential neighbourhood for 10,000 by around 2025.
Pasila is developed around a major transport hub in Helsinki. By 2040 the district will be a business and residential district offering urban housing for 12,000 and jobs for 40,000.
Districts with brands
Districts in Helsinki are developed to have distinct profiles.
Arabianranta is already the Art and Design City, thanks to its focus on art, design and media education and related jobs. The district has been planned to promote creative lifestyles.
Viikki, centred around a University of Helsinki Science Park and the largest concentration of biosciences in Finland, is characterized by ecological lifestyles and closeness to nature. The Eco-Viikki section of Viikki is planned and built with exceptionally high ecological standards.
Jätkäsaari will continue to host a harbour for international cruise ships and for ferries to Tallinn, and it will have a strong maritime flavour.
Kalasatama will have a focus on culture and food, relying on the former Suvilahti power plant turned into a cultural centre and many food-related services centering around the City of Helsinki Wholesale Market.
Pasila will be a place for urban city dwellers with high-rise apartment buildings coupled with a high concentration of jobs.
Many districts can incorporate car-less city blocks for people who prefer not to own a car.
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