The solution drawn up as part of the drafting of the needs assessment would allow the Lapinlahti Hospital Park to be used by Helsinki residents while reserving some of the area’s facilities for mental health work and some for open NGO and cultural activities. Most of the facilities in the hospital area would be rented out for business activities under market conditions. The main building would continue to be owned by the City through a property company to be established. Selling the Venetsia building could also be considered.
According to preliminary plans, approximately 85% of the main building, as well as the sauna and the Venetsia building, would be converted into business premises. The remaining 15% of the main building would be set aside for NGO and cultural activities, such as mental health and wellbeing services, events and restaurant use. The Omenapuutalo building and the therapy building would also remain in this kind of use.
The Lapinlahti park area would remain open for the recreational use of Helsinki residents. There are no plans for new construction in the area.
The preliminary plans have been drafted while taking into account previous decisions issued by the City Board. The proposed solution would allow a large portion of the investment costs of the renovation to be covered through rental income. The City intends to engage in dialogue with local stakeholders and potential business tenants about this.
Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel, the main hospital building was originally completed in 1841. The Venetsia building, situated on the shore, was completed in 1895. The last major renovation of the main building took place approximately a hundred years ago, in the 1920s. The Venetsia building underwent repairs in 1944 after being damaged by bombings, but it has not been completely renovated. As a result, the maintenance backlog for the buildings is considerable. Between 2016 and 2018, the City commissioned repairs to the buildings’ envelopes to ensure their long-term preservation, including the refurbishment of the roof and façades of the main building. However, the condition of the buildings has deteriorated in recent years, and some parts of the main building have had to be closed off due to structural damage and the risk of collapse.
Renovation is essential to ensure that the buildings can be maintained in a condition befitting their value. The total estimated cost of renovating the buildings is approximately €48 million.
Preparations are currently underway to submit the matter of launching the project planning for Lapinlahti Hospital for decision-making. The final decision on the approval of the needs assessment will be made the City Council. If project planning is launched, work will also begin on drawing up a local detailed plan that will enable the project.