The City of Helsinki has drawn up a plan in which individual profiles have been created for thirteen market squares and a budget and schedule have been defined for renovation work. The aim of the vision work, entitled the Market Squares Master Plan, is to increase the attractiveness of the market squares of Helsinki and the city’s vitality.
“Market squares are an important part of the life and vitality of a city. Well-functioning market squares serve the city’s operations and event activities. For the first time, the market squares of Helsinki have been examined as a whole, and the result is a fine vision regarding the use and potential of the squares. Over the coming decade, we will be investing 20 million euros in the project,” says Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov.
The new plan clarifies the use of the market squares. The market squares of Helsinki are needed for spending time, trading, events and large gatherings alike. They are also historically significant and have various symbolic values. The aim is to develop the market squares to cater to different uses in accordance with their profiles. The plan will steer processes such as the granting of permits for large-scale terraces and other events.
Quick restorations and more extensive renovations to be performed on the market squares
In addition to the market square profiles, the plan includes a schedule and cost estimate for the procedures to be carried out.
“Thanks to the plan, we will be able to work more quickly and comprehensively in the future in order to develop the market squares. We will also make sure that the market square activities can move to another market square during the renovation work. The market squares and plazas will also have much better conditions than at present for organising events that enliven city life – such as electricity and water supply connections,” says Ville Lehmuskoski, Head of the City of Helsinki Urban Environment Division.
The vision work carried out for the market squares also sheds light on the squares’ current deficiencies. This facilitates moving things forward quickly and focusing on aspects such as municipal infrastructure. In addition to quick procedures, the market squares will undergo renovations and their infrastructure will be overhauled.
This year, electricity and water renovation work started at Kansalaistori Square and the Senate Square. Next year, the municipal infrastructure of the Market Square and Kampintori Square will be upgraded.
More extensive renovations will start next week at Ylä-Malmi Market Square and at Fredrikintori Square, Hakaniemi Market Square, Hietalahti Market Square and Töölöntori Market Square in the coming years. At the turn of the decade, the Market Square and Haaga Market Square will also be renovated.
The second part of the Market Squares Master Plan vision work involves looking at all market squares and plazas across Helsinki. The aim is to complete the second part of the work early next year.
Beloved traditions and new market square culture
The market squares are of great importance to Helsinki residents, who hope that the squares will continue to serve as meeting places with traditional market trading activities and cafés. But what else could the market squares be? How can changes being made now be planned to meet longer-term needs as well?
“We are looking for answers to these questions through means such as various trials. We have brought terrace activities to the market squares, revitalised the Hietsu flea market with various theme days, and brought the reservation system for vending spaces to the digital age, comments Peggy Bauer, CEO of Helsinki City Premises Ltd, which manages the market squares.
“This summer’s undisputed number one attraction was the Hakaniemi Market Square wine kiosk run by young entrepreneurs. An excellent example of how even a small act can radiate all-new energy and vitality around it,” Bauer rejoices.
The development of different vending stall models and facility solutions will support new and diverse market square activities and meet the challenges of changing weather conditions and seasons. At the request of event organisers, Helsinki City Premises has recently acquired a customised event tent that can be rented for various market square events. This diversifies the usage potential of the market squares even further.
The market squares and plazas of Helsinki are important places for socialising, gatherings and trading activities. They are open spaces, each with its own identity. The City of Helsinki is developing its market squares and plazas in a coordinated manner. We will be overhauling the infrastructure of the market squares in the coming years. We will facilitate market trading, spending time and holding events at vibrant market squares and plazas all over the city.
