Senate Properties sold the Alexander Theatre to a private property owner in 2022. The objective of the new owner is to develop the property for theatre and hotel use. Theatre activities will continue in the old section of the building, and no significant changes are planned for the old theatre. The 1950s extension currently houses theatre storage space and rehearsal rooms, among other things. They will be moved to the old section of the theatre in connection with the changes.
Both options add three new levels to the extension
The detailed plan revision is based on the idea that more floor area could be allowed for the extension for the hotel. However, architectural solutions have not been cemented yet, which is why there are two alternative plans. The plans are subject to changes during the detailed plan process.
The two options only differ from each other in terms of the architecture of the three-level new build and architectural modellings. Some of the facades of the extension will be preserved as they are and the rest will be rebuilt in the style of the original facade from the 1950s.
Both options preserve the trees along Albertinkatu and Bulevardi that are significant in terms of cityscape, reduce the number of parking spots and create more pronounced front areas for both the theatre and the hotel.
The protection entity on the lot will also be reviewed during the detailed plan revision. The old section of the theatre is already protected by a regulation under the Act on the Protection of Buildings. An updated protection order in accordance with the Act on the Protection of the Built Heritage is also under consideration by the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. The extension is not currently protected, but the protection of its Bulevardi-side facade is being investigated in the detailed plan.
Learn more about the plans and provide feedback by 6 May
You can view and comment the plans in the Kerro kantasi service at https://kerrokantasi.hel.fi/(Link leads to external service) from 15 April to 6 May 2024. You can also watch a video on the plans on the Kerro kantasi website.
You can read more about the participation and evaluation plan and the plan preparation material between 15 April and 6 May 2024 at www.hel.fi/en/urban-environment-and-traffic/urban-planning-and-construction/participate-in-city-planning. Please submit any written opinions on the participation and evaluation plan and the preparatory material to the City of Helsinki Register Office on 6 May 2024 at the latest.
Once the opinions have been received, the planning will continue and the plan proposal will be drafted. The plan proposal will be forwarded to decision-making in 2025.