Cows at Haltiala farm. The farm is located in northern Helsinki, by Vantaanjoki river. Photo: Mikko Uro
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The City of Helsinki is launching a competition to find a new owner and operator for Haltiala Farm, a popular visitor attraction in northern Helsinki. The Urban Environment Committee will discuss the concept competition and the sale of farm buildings at its meeting on 18 March.
Haltiala Farm, located along the Vantaanjoki River in Tuomarinkylä, is home to cows, sheep, goats, and chickens.
The city aims to preserve its agricultural character while allowing new business opportunities such as agritourism, accommodation, or recreational services.
Entrepreneurs with experience in animal farming or related fields are invited to submit proposals. The winning bidder will purchase the farm’s buildings and animals while committing to renovation work. Environmental education and cultural history services are also possible additions, but the farm must remain central to any new concept.
The Haltiala, Kellarimäki, and Niskala areas contain 29 protected buildings, with open plots also available for development. Any new construction, including a possible replacement for Haltiala’s former main building, will require approval from the City Museum.
Anu Hämäläinen, Project Manager at the City of Helsinki, said the competition offers an opportunity to expand services while maintaining the farm’s character. “Small-scale accommodation may be possible, but there won’t be an amusement park in Haltiala,” she said.
The new concept must respect the area’s landscape and biodiversity. “We hope participants consider seasonal opportunities and how best to meet visitor expectations,” Hämäläinen added.
Haltiala’s animals, currently around 60 in total, will be sold to the competition winner, who must have experience in animal husbandry. Outdoor routes, skiing tracks, and public access to city-owned fields for activities such as pea and sunflower picking will remain unchanged.
The Urban Environment Committee’s agenda will be published on 14 March, with the competition expected to launch in spring 2025.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
