Some of the buildings proposed for sale are located in Villinki. Photo: Roni Rekomaa
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The City of Helsinki is gearing up to sell additional properties, including several villa buildings for residential and tourism purposes, as part of a strategic move to divest assets that are no longer required for its service production.
The city’s urban environment committee is considering a proposal to add 19 new properties to the list of buildings planned for sale in the near future.
If approved, the sales process is expected to commence in 2024. This comes in addition to about 30 other sales already decided upon by the committee, with several more in the final stages of completion.
In line with its facility strategy, Helsinki aims to divest buildings that are not needed for its services and where ownership does not align with other strategic reasons. The goal of these sales is to refurbish old buildings for active use, thereby reducing the city’s maintenance backlog. Funds generated from these sales will primarily be allocated to maintaining schools, daycares, and other service buildings.
All the proposed properties for sale require varying extents of renovation. Typically, when the city sells a building, the land remains under municipal ownership and is leased out.
Residential Buildings in Meilahti, Uutela, and Yliskylä
For residential use, properties in Meilahti villa area, Vuosaari’s Uutela, and Yliskylä in Laajasalo are proposed for sale. In Meilahti, two properties are slated for sale, including a 400 square meter villa dating back to 1900 at Tamminiementie 3 and a smaller residential building from 1915 at Meilahdentie 9. Both will be sold as residences through a competitive bidding process.
In Uutela, the Notsund residential building with saunas, constructed in 1900, is planned for sale for residential use. In Yliskylä, two red-painted wooden buildings from 1910 along Mankelipolku are set to be sold for residential purposes.
Tourism Services in Villinki
On Villinki island in Laajasalo, five properties are being considered for sale through concept and bidding competitions. The Widablick and Stigen villas, built in 1914, along with the 2001 Solvik sauna building, are intended for tourism. Heimliden, dating back to 1890, may be sold for tourism or association activities, while the 1939 Björkebo is planned for holiday housing.
Comprehensive Development in Meri-Rastila
In Meri-Rastila, Vuosaari, a complex of four buildings constructed between 1910–1950 near Ramsinniemi grove is on the sales list. Pending a zoning plan change, these buildings will be sold for uses compliant with the upcoming plan.
Kiosk and Meeting Space in Southeast Helsinki
A kiosk located in Kivinokka outdoor area in Herttoniemi, built in 1937, is set for sale for kiosk or café operations. In Kulosaari, a meeting space built in 1910 located at Armas Lindgrenin tie 2 is also proposed for sale.
First Rights to Current Tenants
The city also plans to offer properties such as an industrial hall near Vuosaari harbor and the Björkvik sauna in Jollas to their current tenants. In Pasila’s Hertanmäki, two protected villa-style buildings from 1900, currently under lease, will be first offered to current tenants. If not sold, one might be offered for educational use, and the other as a residence. Additionally, the 1937 Linnavuori rehabilitation home in Vartiokylä is intended to be primarily offered to the current tenant.
This strategic initiative by the City of Helsinki reflects an effort to revitalize underused assets and focus re
Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
