City of Helsinki plans to revamp entire South Harbour area

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In order to bring the old city centre back to life, the City of Helsinki intends to revamp the South Harbour area completely.
     
According to a plan commissioned by the City, the old Olympia Terminal, the adjoining terminal areas, and the adjacent large parking area would all be covered with a green deck.
      To regain direct access to the sea, the South Harbour masterplan, designed by the Helsinki-based ALA Architects, would extend the Tähtitorninvuori Park until the waterfront. The green deck would also cover the street known as Laivasillankatu, while trams could run through the planned park zone.
      ”When the trucks and other vehicles are put out of sight below ground, there would be no noise and people could walk in the green surroundings to the Olympia Terminal and climb up to the park using various walkways”, Architect Antti Nousjoki explained.
     
The main attractions of the plan include a sea aquarium designed by ALA and a five-star hotel which is to be designed by the famous Swiss top architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. The new hotel will replace the present old Kanavaranta terminal.
      The new buildings should be bold, featuring various facade heights and being built in multiple spatial layers.
      All parking places adjacent to the Market Square would be removed. The plan would arrange space for cars in a new car park that would be excavated beneath the Tähtitorninvuori hill.
     
”The redevelopment of the area will cost a huge sum of money, but the plan is feasible, as it will give the City more land that can be developed and sold”, estimated Mikael Nordqvist, the head of the Helsinki Real Estate Department.
      No exact schedule has been made, but the redevelopment is likely to take several years.
      ”Discussions on the master plan will be launched in the City Planning Committee without delay”, reported Tuomas Rajajärvi, the Director of Planning at the City Planning Department.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Head of City Planning wants to cover Helsinki´s downtown blocks (23.10.2007)

Links:
  ALA Architects
  Jacques Herzog & Pierre de Meuron

Helsingin Sanomat