Helsinki clears way for four new high-rises

The Helsinki City Council has approved zoning amendments on March 26th to enable construction of four new high-rise towers in the western part of the Keski-Pasila tower district, south of the Pasilansilta bridge. The rezoning covers the area between Pasilankatu and Veturitie streets.

The plan allows for four distinct tower blocks to be built in the district, ranging up to around 120 meters tall at the tower closest to the Pasila station. A public plaza space and pedestrian connections will be integrated between the buildings.

The new towers will be part of the larger high-rise, dense urban living and working area developing south of Pasilansilta bridge. The rezoning enables around 1,100 new residences and an estimated 2,200 new jobs in the area.

“Implementing this plan will strengthen and densify Pasila as a downtown-like district of Helsinki, adding more housing and office space,” said City Planning officials. “The towers complement the existing high-rise corridor and create a new silhouette on the skyline, while also introducing greenery and new pedestrian routes.”

In addition to Keski-Pasila, the City Council also approved:

• A rezoning around the Herttoniemi metro station to allow renovating and expanding the station, terminal, and enabling around 450 new residences and services.
• Amendments in the Länsi-Pakila detached home area allowing densification of 27 lots through additions or replacing existing buildings, increasing population by around 120 residents.

The Council decisions and details can be found in the latest meeting bulletin on theCity’s website. The zoning changes allow Helsinki to add more housing and jobs in developing districts well-connected to transit.