The experiment will bring a lot of new sitting areas to Pohjoisesplanadi, in particular, for the local businesses to expand their terraces and other activities. With the plans finalised, the construction work can now begin in the spring sun’s warmth. The exact construction schedule depends on the material deliveries and spring weather.
“We aim to have many of the new areas ready for the residents to enjoy already by Helsinki Day on 12 June. That said, some furniture and vegetation will probably not be available until later. A late spring can impact the timing of the planting work,” says Pia Rantanen, Planning Expert at the City of Helsinki Urban Environment Division.
Work on the Esplanadi streets
Eteläesplanadi and Pohjoisesplanadi will have expansion areas of 2–3.5 metres in width for walking and sitting. The work will begin from the Market Square end of Pohjoisesplanadi with the construction of the concrete edging and continue with the installation of the stone surfaces and rain gutters.
The work will extend to Eteläesplanadi and Erottajankatu after May Day. Eteläesplanadi will get a two-way bicycle lane in addition to the expansion areas. The renewed area will continue seamlessly to Erottajankatu, which will have benches and flowers. The experiment also includes a considerable widening of Erottajankatu’s pavement.
Some of the widened sections on the Esplanadi streets will be of a wooden platform structure. Their installation should begin in mid-May, starting from the Market Square direction.
The Esplanadi streets will be single-lane during the construction work. The work can occasionally cause some nuisance to pedestrians.
Summer streets and Lönnrotinkatu under construction in May–June
Besides the Esplanadi streets, the experiment also includes Lönnrotinkatu. The street will have a new bike lane in May–June when the weather allows for painting road markings.
The work on the Kasarmikatu and Design Museum Square summer street areas will begin in May. The front of the Design Museum will again feature terrace activities and plantings. The summer streets will make use of existing furniture modified and renovated by carpenters at the City of Helsinki construction services Stara’s workshop based on feedback from last summer.
The expansion of the pedestrian areas is linked to Helsinki’s goal of having a vibrant city centre with thriving brick-and-mortar shops, pleasant places to sit and meet, and a coherent network of pedestrian streets.
The construction project’s contractor is the City of Helsinki construction services Stara.
The construction of the new pedestrian areas will be detailed in a newsletter designed especially for those with operations on the affected streets. However, anyone interested in the matter can subscribe to the newsletter.
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