Nordicum - Real Estate Annual Finland 2017 | Page 42

Photo : Niklas Lähteenmäki , the City of Hämeenlinna .
New Engelinranta shows lighter white by the lake Vanajavesi on the left side of the picture .

Reinventing the Waterfront

Hämeenlinna wants new real estate development which revolves around citizen participation
Located along the Helsinki-Tampere corridor , Hämeenlinna has often been overlooked as a potent hot spot for growth . However , Hämeenlinna is a vibrant community at the junction of a nationally important rail , road and waterway network – and with plenty of small-town appeal .

F ounded as early as 1639 around the

beautiful Vanajavesi Lake , the city has always been big on nature values ; but in recent years , new emphasis has been placed on ambitious waterfront construction . Kristiina Koskiaho , Managing Director of City development company Hämeenlinnan Eteläranta Oy , says that the City has identified waterfront development as a key element in its future plans for growth .
“ We have an amazing waterfront area , Engelinranta , that will be developed in phases . Located right in the downtown area , Engelinranta is something that both residents and companies appreciate .”
Plan for Success
The development of the shoreline was kicked off in earnest in November as the first phase of the planning competition for the
42 Nordicum so-called bus station quarters was launched . This phase will come to its conclusion on 25 January 2017 , with phase 2 starting on 8 February .
Koskiaho believes that the competition will be attractive to especially those real estate players who are looking for alternatives outside the Helsinki Metropolitan Area and Tampere , the largest inland city in the Nordics .
“ There are many development projects going on in Helsinki and Tampere , but Hämeenlinna possesses a lot of potential that is , as of yet , untapped .”
Timo Kenakkala , Mayor of Hämeenlinna , is convinced of the city ’ s promise : he points out that Hämeenlinna can provide the inexpensive housing , solid municipal services and great leisure-time activities that people appreciate . “ Hämeenlinna also offers great accessibility and connections . Located in the middle of Finland ’ s prime growth corridor , the city is very attractive from the perspective of investors , too ,” Kenakkala says .
Greenfield Appeal
“ The Engelinranta shoreline alone holds 90,000 floor square metres that is available for development . The launch of bus station quarters only takes about 15,000 square metres of that total ,” Kristiina Koskiaho explains .
“ The zoning plan allows for the construction of the entire 15,000 square metres , but for the purposes of the competition , it is not necessary to use all of that space .”
Similarly , the City is not adamant about what types of buildings should be raised by the shoreline : residential construction is the priority , but also business premises can be included in the proposals .