“The development of Helsinki's city centre is carried out in close cooperation with the City, businesses and other actors. Our aim is to strengthen the vitality, memorable nature and attractiveness of the city centre as a whole – for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Pia Svensk's strong commercial skills and ability to build and manage extensive networks ensure that she has the competence to take the development of the city centre forward with determination,” says Head of Area Construction Outi Säntti.
As project director, Svensk is responsible for ensuring that the development of the city centre progresses from plan to implementation and is translated into concrete actions in central Helsinki. Her role is to bring development projects, events, services and marketing together and create a coherent entity that boosts the attractiveness of the city centre, supports business and increases the number of people who visit, work and spend time in the city centre.
Svensk leaves her role in the Stockmann division of the Lindex Group to start in her new post. Throughout her career, Svensk has built up strong expertise in commercial operations and development, partnerships, the interface between business and real estate, and building customer-centric and memorable environments.
Svensk says that she will take a development and solutions-oriented approach to her new role and emphasise strong collaboration. She sees the development of the city centre as a joint effort, where the roles, perspectives and strengths of the different stakeholders are intertwined.
“It feels great to have an excellent vantage point to develop central Helsinki. This task is a pleasure and an honour. I believe that by working together we can create more spark, vitality and experiences in the city centre," Svensk says.
City centre to develop in many directions
The City’s strategic goal is to strengthen the vitality, memorable nature and attractiveness of the city centre as a whole. The development of the city centre is important vitality work, where the development of urban space, events, tourism, business and housing are interlinked. The development work will create the preconditions for new services, business, events and vibrant urban life. The development of the city centre is currently focused on a number of key areas, including Esplanadi, Kaivokatu, Makasiiniranta and the South Harbour.