Salpausseläntie is an important central street in Pihlajisto. At present, the general appearance of the street is green, but the street space is worn and untidy in many places.
Idea plan serving as basis for the renewal of Salpausseläntie
Late 2024 saw the completion of a City-commissioned idea plan for the renewal of Salpausseläntie. The plan envisions how Salpausseläntie and its surroundings could be developed to make them more pleasant and functional. The plan examines how the square known as “Monttu” next to Pihlajisto shopping centre could be developed, where new parks could be built and how the pleasantness of the area’s public spaces could be improved, for example.
The idea plan is based on the planning principles for Pihlajisto, which were approved by the Urban Environment Committee on 23 April 2024. The drafting of the planning principles in 2022–2024 involved extensive interaction and collection of local knowledge from the area.
The City owns one unbuilt plot in the centre of Pihlajisto. In the planning principles, it was decided that the plot, which had been designated for development, would be converted into a small park instead. The new park is envisioned as becoming a meeting place where people can sit down or play street chess, for example. The park will also have room for pop-up activities or a kiosk.
The idea plan is a preliminary draft that explores how the Salpausseläntie area could be developed. The idea plan will serve as the basis for the more detailed planning of the area.
Options for the future of Monttu
The idea plan envisions Monttu as becoming a venue for events, pop-up activities and art works and a daily hangout spot. To this end, the plan proposes two options for developing Monttu.
Option one would keep Monttu as a downward-sloping structure with stairs. In this option, Monttu would retain its shape and be developed in an increasingly sculptural direction. The stairs of Monttu could be used as stands for events. The rocks next to Monttu would serve as a site for an observation tower. Together with the depth of Monttu, it would highlight the height differences and expansive views of the rocky Pihlajisto. On the other hand, Monttu, being a deep pit, interrupts the paths of the public street spaces at the corner of the shopping centre and also makes passageways narrow and cramped in some places, complicating movement and also causing discomfort in places.
Option two would raise Monttu to the street level. This would turn Monttu into an open plaza imitating the shape of the old Monttu. The new Monttu plaza could feature seats, planted trees, green islets and stormwater management elements. Having Monttu be at street level would provide space and openness and facilitate movement in the area. The space under the plaza could be utilised for parking, for example. On the other hand, this option would mean losing the original Monttu, which has played an important role in the history and urban structure of Pihlajisto.
Meet planners at the Point Break Monttu event on Helsinki Day, 12 June
On Helsinki Day, Thursday 12 June at 14:00–18:00, the City is organising a Point Break Monttu event aimed at young people, bringing an open street art event to the heart of Pihlajisto to engage young people and entertain the whole family. Participants will have the chance to engage in discussion with City planners about the development of the area and examine models depicting the renewal of Salpausseläntie and the idea plan. Children will be able to share their own views at the activity box.
Young people will also be able to voice their opinions through interviews at the youth point and draw the Monttu and Pihlajisto of their dreams on the art wall.
The City has also opened a Kerrokantasi survey to collect opinions and local knowledge from the area’s residents to serve as a basis for further planning. The survey will remain open until 22 June at kerrokantasi.hel.fi/salpausselantie (in Finnish)(Link leads to external service) .