Construction of new Music House to begin in summer

Cost estimate now running at over 126 million euros

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The building contract for the new music centre planned for downtown Helsinki has been subject to a formal bidding process, whereupon a total of 31 quotations were received.
      "Provided that the choice of contractors goes smoothly, the building process could start in June-July", estimates Tuomo Hahl from Senate Properties, the government-owned enterprise responsible for managing, developing, and letting the property assets of the Finnish state.
     
The Music House will be completed at the end of 2009. Two years ago, the estimated costs of the music complex were EUR 94 to 98 million, while the current estimates come to EUR 106.2 million. In addition, the required equipment and furnishings will cost another EUR 20 million.
      The received tenders will be handled by the board of the Music House real estate company on Thursday next week, after which the details of the bidding process will be announced.
     
The precise date of starting off with the building project depends on how fast the owners of the real estate company will be able to make final decisions on the tenders. Apart from the state of Finland, the owners of the company include the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), and the City of Helsinki. The co-owners also have to decide on how to finance the cost overrun over the original budget.
      Currently, the construction of a dam wall and a maintenance tunnel are under way on the prime site opposite Parliament.
     
When the Music House is completed its main users will be the Sibelius Academy, the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
      The music complex will house a 1,650-seat concert hall and five smaller halls, as well as a restaurant, the Sibelius Academy Library, and some teaching and rehearsal premises.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  YLE gives approval for funding of new Music House (17.11.2004)

Helsingin Sanomat