Architectural competition for Itäkeskus public transport terminal to start in autumn

Aiming at a high-quality urban space and smooth transfer connections

The Itäkeskus public transport terminal will facilitate smooth transfer connections between different modes of transport. The terminal will be designed to be pleasant, safe and accessible as a whole. The aim of good planning and design is to ensure that switching between modes of transport is easy and smooth, and that the necessary services are located close by. The terminus of light rail line 15 will be put in its right place as part of the new terminal.

Another aim of the competition is to create a solution for the area of the current metro station that is interesting in terms of the cityscape and contributes to creating a strong identity for the area.

The competition will start this autumn, held in cooperation between the City of Helsinki, Metropolitan Area Transport and Helsinki City Transport. It will be held as an open architectural competition. Residents and public transport users will be able to comment on the proposals during the competition.

Helsinki now investing heavily in the east

A lot will happen around Itäkeskus in the coming years as the Itäkeskus area is transformed from a suburban centre to a more urban centre in East Helsinki.

–Our ambitious allocation of resources to the eastern part of the city and Itäkeskus is also prominently featured in the Helsinki City Strategy. Developing the Itäkeskus public transport terminal through an architectural competition is one concrete step towards a newly flourishing Itäkeskus. We want to invest in the development of the east, explains Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari.

Another project included in the anniversary year is an architectural competition for the renovation and expansion of Cultural Centre Stoa. Its aim is to create more functional, open and versatile facilities for the cultural centre serving all of East Helsinki. Additionally, Itäkeskus Swimming Hall will be renovated, and several schools and daycare centres will be renovated or built in the area. The public urban space will be developed comprehensively and the housing stock will be diversified further. The areas of the Puhos and Puotila metro stations will become more urban, and the maritime Puotilanranta will bring new kind of housing to the area.

Metro station and bus terminal to be improved before the new terminal is built

The Itäkeskus metro station and bus terminal are currently undergoing a renovation project to ensure their operational reliability and pleasantness in the coming years. 

The renovation will involve improving the facades, surfaces and surroundings of the ticket halls, and replacing lights, signage and escalators. The canopies and bicycle parking facilities of the bus terminal will also be upgraded.