The City of Helsinki is currently conducting a study on future plans for the decommissioned Hanasaari power plant.
Completed in 1974, the iconic Hanasaari power plant is seeking a new purpose. Helen is currently withdrawing from the power plant, and the city is exploring the building’s future to ensure it also meets the wishes of local residents and city dwellers.
In addition to technical studies of the area, the city is conducting research into the potential future uses of the building. “We want to know what city residents think about the power plant and what possibilities it could offer,” says Päivi Hietanenfrom the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division.
Studies from Many Different Perspectives
Hietanen explains that Visioning for the Power Plantcomprises three levels. The building itself is culturally and historically significant, one of architect Timo Penttilä’s masterpieces. Therefore, its future use must also be planned from a societal perspective.
In addition, according to Hietanen, Hanasaari is an interesting area in its own right, located near the city center. “The area is undergoing a massive transformation, and the area surrounding the power plant is being developed,” Hietanen notes. New housing for 4,500 people is being planned for Hanasaari, and Suvilahti will take shape in the coming years.
The Suvilahti Event Hub, planned for Suvilahti, will—if realized—reinforce the area’s strong focus on events. “There are many cultural actors in the area, and we want to understand what role the power plant plays as part of the developing area before making any decisions,” Hietanen notes.
According to Hietanen, the city level is also important. As part of the studies, broader consideration is being given to whether Helsinki could turn the Hanasaari plant into a new attraction—one of international interest.
Open dialogue at the center
Residents’ views on the power plant’s future are being gathered through a survey targeted at residents and stakeholders Share Your Opinion service. According to Hietanen, the survey has already generated a good number of responses.
The vision-building process also includes two workshops: one in June 2024 on Helsinki Day for local stakeholders and city stakeholders, and another tentatively scheduled for September 2024. The latter workshop is open to city residents. The vision project, set to be completed in late September, will serve as the foundation for the development of the power plant area and will also pave the way for a future competition aimed at finding a partner for the project’s further development.
“Is there something missing from the area that the power plant could provide?”
— Päivi Hietanen, Project Manager in charge of the power plant project, City of Helsinki
The survey and workshops invite people to share their views on what the plant’s future might mean on a practical level. “What would city residents like to see in the power plant area? What, in particular, would draw them to the area, and is there something missing from the area that the power plant could provide?” Hietanen ponders.
Secondary buildings on the plant’s grounds are being demolished. In collaboration with the City Museum, the group of buildings to be preserved on the site has been identified. “We also want to preserve certain elements of the power generation equipment—such as a second turbine—for future generations,” Hietanen reveals.
The survey is open until September 15, 2024.