The Kivelä hospital area is located in Taka-Töölö, between the busy Mechelininkatu street and the extensive park areas of Sibelius Park, Topelius Park and Hesperia Esplanade. The area enclosed by walls is historically valuable and layered. The oldest surviving buildings in the area date back to the latter half of the 19th century, and the area has developed almost every decade throughout its history.
The plan is to redevelop the Kivelä hospital area mainly for residential use. The City is seeking new uses for the existing buildings in the area, as the hospital services currently operating in the buildings will largely be relocated. While some of the buildings will continue to be used for municipal services, the City is exploring the possibility of converting others into housing.
The City is also planning new residential buildings for the block. The aim is to transform the previously closed hospital area into an open and pleasant living environment. The new development will support the City's goal of increasing the amount of housing in the inner city, and it will be carefully integrated into the area's valuable and historic building stock. The aim is to preserve the unique character of the area and strengthen Kivelä's integration into the urban structure of Töölö.
The plan is to maintain the diverse green corridor that connects Hesperia Esplanade and Sibelius Park through the area. The valuable gardens in the hospital area will be restored. The City will seek to preserve some of the wooded rocky areas as open parks and as part of courtyards.
The City is planning new pedestrian routes in the area, which will be open to the public. One key connection requirement that has been identified is the east–west connection between Töölö Market Square and Mechelininkatu through the area. The internal route network in the area will be mainly designed for pedestrians and cyclists, with car traffic being directed to the surrounding streets. The plan is to provide parking in an underground facility.
Most of the buildings in the area are already protected under the current local detailed plan. The protection regulations will be updated in connection with the planning work. In addition to this, the City will investigate the possibility of relocating two log buildings on Mechelininkatu to a more suitable location within the area. The temporary hospital buildings will be dismantled.
Participate in planning
Residents can submit their opinions for further planning until 18 December. The project's participation and evaluation plan includes various draft land use plans that illustrate the amount and possible location of new construction. The draft plans are not mutually exclusive alternatives, but rather outlines for discussion. The plan proposal may include elements from all of the draft plans or entirely new solutions. The plan proposal is expected to be presented to the Urban Environment Committee in autumn 2027.
Residents can view the draft land use plans on the Kerrokantasi service, where they can submit ideas and feedback for further planning. The planners will be available at Töölö Library on Monday 8 December at 15.00–19.00 to discuss the plans.
