Expensive repair project at Itäkeskus shopping mall fails
The EUR three million repairs to the Tallinnanaukio ("Tallinn Square") outdoor area at the Itäkeskus shopping mall in the east of Helsinki are to be resumed next spring. Although the project was completed last summer, the surface was not able to withstand the weight of lorries that drove in the area without permission.
There are now massive gaps between the stone tiles, and the surface is uneven.
Osmo Torvinen, head of the investment section of the Streets and Parks Office, says that the new repairs are to begin in April or May.
"I am an optimist, and I believe that it will be ready in late June or early July, if we get on the move flexibly."
The Public Works Department of the City of Helsinki has examined the causes of the damage, and ways to repair it, along with the Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT).
"The problems were apparent immediately in the early autumn, but we did not want to start making any repairs the winter coming", Torvinen says.
It is likely that the old cladding will have to be torn away, the foundation evened out, and the stones refitted. Also under consideration is the possibility of replacing the cladding of the southern part of the square with asphalt, or some other stronger material. The southern side includes a route that is kept open for emergency vehicles, which needs to withstand the weight of a fire engine or ambulance.
"The surface will withstand the weight of a taxi, in principle, but if there is a gap big enough for a taxi, soon there will be all kinds of distribution and service vehicles there. The cladding will soon be ruined again."
The repairs on the square were the work of the construction company Skanska. The possible role of faulty construction in the damage is currently under investigation.
The project was based on a plan commissioned by the Public Works Department, and Torvinen admits that there were some shortcomings.
Torvinen will not say what the costs of the new repairs will be, but he expects them to be in the neighbourhood of about EUR 100,000 - 200,000, depending on how the project is implemented. Owners of property in the area contributed to the costs of the previous repairs, but no extra invoices are expected now.
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 12.1.2007 - TODAY |
 Expensive repair project at Itäkeskus shopping mall fails
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