Development of Central Pasila
Veturitallinpiha – industrial history and open urban space
Veturitallinpiha is located in the heart of Central Pasila, between the dense tower area and the central city blocks of Pasila. The special character of the region is based on its railway history: Pasila's old locomotive sheds, Toralinna and other preserved buildings form a complex with important cultural and historical value.
Veturitallinpiha will not be planned as a heavily regenerating built-up area, but its core will be developed in stages as a rugged leisure and cultural area open to all. The aim is to preserve the area's rough industrial character and strengthen it as part of the identity of Central Pasila.
In the future, the area can play an increasingly important role as a place for events, leisure, meetings and urban culture. New construction will mainly be located on the edges of the area, so that the environment around the locomotive sheds is preserved as a small-scale counterbalance to the tall buildings in Pasila.
Pasila tower area – new silhouette for Helsinki's second central urban area
The Pasila tower area is planned as a tall, dense and central urban area, where housing, jobs, services and public urban spaces overlap. The area will become one of the most visible parts of the new Central Pasila district.
The tower area as a whole includes several tower blocks, new squares, pedestrian routes and vibrant street level areas. The construction will link the area around the Pasila Bridge, the station, Tripla and the locomotive sheds environment more closely than before.
The towers will clearly change the urban landscape of Pasila, but at the same time, their base structures will emphasise the human scale: the services, pedestrian connections and squares that open up to the street space will be a key part of the design of the area.
Tripla – transport hub and commercial centre
Tripla is the most famous landmark in Central Pasila and one of the most important transport and service hubs in Helsinki. It combines Pasila station, a shopping centre, offices, a hotel, housing and a public transport terminal in one complex.
Pasila station is one of the busiest rail hubs in Finland, and Tripla reinforces Pasila's position as Helsinki's second hub. The area brings together trains, trams and buses along with cycling and walking routes.
In terms of urban structure, Tripla has been a crucial part of the transformation of Central Pasila. It is built on and around the railway environment, and connects the previously separate areas of East and West Pasila.
Railway yard blocks – bringing East Pasila and West Pasila closer together
The railway yard blocks will be built on the site of the demolished lower railway yard north of Tripla. The aim of the area is to improve the cohesion of Pasila's urban structure and improve connections between East and West Pasila.
A dense, inner-city residential area for around 3,200 residents is planned for the railway yard blocks. The area will also include offices, services, a school and a daycare centre. The services available in Tripla and the public transport connetions of Pasila station are right next door.
Sustainable elements in the area include green roofs, a pedestrian and cycling-oriented environment, and stormwater management using absorption and retention solutions as part of the overall solution for the area. The demanding groundwater and perched groundwater conditions that affect the construction and foundation work as well as underground faciity implementation have been taken into account in the design of the site.
Ilmala – from business park to mixed urban environment
In Ilmala, an environment formerly filled with commercial offices is gradually being transformed into a more diverse district. The area is supported by Ilmala station, tram connections and the proximity of Central Park.
Around Radiokatu and Ilmalankatu, former office plots will be converted into residential blocks. The new development will provide the area with homes, brick and mortar commercial premises, a daycare centre and new pedestrian links to Central Park.
In the Finnish Broadcasting Company’s area, the aim is a long-term phased renewal. The previously partly enclosed area will be developed into a more open part of Ilmala's urban structure, where housing, jobs, services and green connections support each other. At the same time, recognisable landmarks in the area, such as the transmission tower and the surroundings of Iso Paja, will be preserved as part of Ilmala's identity.
Southern Postipuisto – new area on top of old landfill
Southern Postipuisto is located near Ilmala station, between Rantarata and Ilmala railway yard. The area is planned as a residential and employment area in the heart of the city, with housing, services and business premises located close together.
The history of the area makes construction exceptionally demanding. Southern Postipuisto is mainly built on the former Pasila landfill site. Extensive decontamination of soil and preconstruction work will be carried out before building work can start on the site.
Soil decontamination involves the removal of landfill and contaminated soils, which are replaced by surplus soils from other sites. In this way, Southern Postipuisto is also an example of how urban development can promote the circular economy and make new use of existing sites.
Development of Southern Postipuisto
When completed, Southern Postipuisto will provide homes for around 3,800 residents and jobs for around 2,000 people. The area relies heavily on rail transport, walking and cycling.
Postipuisto – a quickly erected, community-based district
Postipuisto is a new residential area built on the site of the former land transport centre, next to Central Park. Old logistics and office buildings have given way to a dense, urban and community-oriented district.
The area is planned to house around 5,700 people. Construction has progressed rapidly, and Postipuisto is already largely complete. The closed block design, sheltered courtyards, centralised parking and stormwater retention and absorption solutions support a compact but pleasant urban environment.
Development of Postipuisto
In Postipuisto, the focus has also been on ensuring that everyday services and common areas are created to meet the needs of the growing area. Temporary solutions have been important in the incomplete part of the city: for example, the colourful multi-purpose facility Rullis has provided residents with play, recreation and outdoor exercise areas even before permanent park solutions are completed.
The community heart of the area is the Postivarikko community building. The building of around 1,000 square metres is a shared meeting place for all the housing associations in the area, with meeting rooms, a gym, workshops, a kitchen, work and performance spaces, etc. The facilities are available for shared use by residents.
