The new residential area is planned at the initiative of a private landowner. The area to be developed is located in the southern part of Meri-Rastila and consists of mainly privately owned [US1] forest and shoreline as well as a villa with a waterfront sauna. [CJ2]
Housing mainly consisting of high-rise residential buildings is planned for around 250–300 residents in Ramsinranta. Lower-rise residential buildings or terraced houses are proposed closer to the water. The [CJ3] waterfront would become a public recreational area that is open to all, with a seaside path running through it. [LT4]
The planning area is lined by detached houses and blocks of flats built in the 2010s and 2020s, as well as the Hotel Rantapuisto complex. [CJ5] The waterfront sauna will be preserved, and the 1930s villa building will be protected. Both will be reserved for residents' common areas or other service uses. [LT6]
The City has tried to promote new housing in Meri-Rastila, but previous projects have not taken off. [US7] According to assessments by the City, the landowner and the construction company, Ramsinranta has good conditions for the construction of quality owner-occupied family housing, despite the difficult situation in the construction market.
Plan discussed by the Board as early as 2021
The Urban Environment Committee first considered the plan for the area in 2021. The Board referred to the Helsinki City Strategy, which states that no construction should take place in the most valuable natural areas, and noted that there is insufficient information on the natural values of the area. The plan was returned to preparation for an inventory of the natural assets. [US8]
The plan was reintroduced in 2023. The Board returned the plan to the preparatory stage and stated that the need for construction on the site can be assessed once the implementation of the suburban regeneration of Meri-Rastila has started. Since the decision, the housing market has changed and the amount of housing development in the rest of Meri-Rastila is expected to be lower than previously estimated. Demand for owner-occupied housing is strongest in the area closest to the sea.
Residents' opinions to be surveyed on three drafts
There are three draft plans for the residential block, which differ in terms of parking, building types and block efficiency. The final plan may combine parts of different drafts. Parking is provided either under the courtyard deck or in a separate parking facility. The tallest buildings are located furthest from the beach and they are [CJ10] six or seven storeys high at their tallest. The houses closest to the water are either terraced houses or 3–4 storey residential blocks of flats.
The detailed plan draft is to be submitted to the Urban Environment Committee in spring 2027. The final decision on the Ramsinranta plan will be taken by the City Council.
The draft plans are available on the website www.hel.fi/en/urban-environment-and-traffic/urban-planning-and-construction/participate-in-city-planning and in the Vuotalo lobby, and can be commented on on the the kerrokantasi.hel.fi/?lang=en website until 22 June.
The plan can be discussed with the planning officer during a plan walk on Monday 15 June. The walk starts at Ramsinniementie 18 at 17.30.
Developing streets, parks and residents' spaces in Meri-Rastila
Meri-Rastila will be renewed in many ways in the near future. The area around Rastila metro station and the surrounding streets will be improved with new surface materials and fixtures, as well as street greenery and lighting. The renovation and extension of the Meri-Rastila multi-purpose building will start in 2027, and the new daycare centre in Harbonkatu will be completed this year [LT11] . Haruspuisto Park will be renovated in keeping with the theme of the Baltic Sea and underwater life. The park will provide a variety of play and exercise areas for residents of all ages.
