On the eve of the biggest construction boom in the city?s history, Helsinki is defining its future through urban design. Helsinki?s new areas are planned to ensure dynamic urban environments based on the ?mixed use?philosophy: the goal is to build city sections that mix residences with jobs and services. A large container-port site named Jätkäsaari is located just a short walking distance from the main Helsinki business district. As soon as the port functions are relocated to the new eastern Helsinki district of Vuosaari, re-development of Jätkäsaari can begin. The Sörnäistenranta-Hermanninranta areas are dominated by industrial structures, the port and ships, as well as two power stations of Helsinki Energy. A draft town plan for the entire area gives guidelines for a city district that is emphatically urban in character. Large areas occupied by railway yards serving the downtown commercial harbours, located some 3.5 km north of the Helsinki city centre, will be free for re-development once the road and rail connections to the Vuosaari harbour open. All areas will be well served by public transportation. As a result, needs for movement by car will be minimized. All port operations from the city centre will move to Vuosaari by November 2008, when the new harbour officially opens. Helsinki News 3/07 (.pdf)
