Suvilahti
The old energy production area in the Suvilahti district of Helsinki transferred to the administration of the real estate company Kiinteistö Oy Kaapelitalo at the beginning of 2008. In the coming years the area will be developed into a cultural centre that is similar to Kaapelitehdas (the Cable Factory). Suvilahti will be utilised for cultural activities and business supporting these activities. The administration and operating model for the new urban culture environment is similar to that of Kaapelitehdas.
Work, atelier and performance space is being renovated at Suvilahti for use by artists and artist groups, as well as by other cultural operators. The required building inspections, basic repairs and renovations will take years: at the moment it is estimated that the buildings will be filled by lessors and activities in 3 to 5 years and that technically the buildings will be at the same level as Kaapelitehdas in approximately 10 years.
Alongside the renovations, work continues to forming the business concept for the area. It currently looks like one of the broadest sources of content will come from the performing arts. CIRKO Centre for new circus opened in the spring 2011, and many independent theatre groups have expressed a desire to operate at Suvilahti.
PDF presentation of Kiinteistö Oy Kaapelitalo
The transformation of the Suvilahti area into a cultural centre is part of the broader development plan for the Sörnäistenranta and Kalasatama districts. The cargo harbour at Sompasaari moved to Vuosaari in 2008, and the vacated space will be used to create a new urban district over the next years. The district will eventually house around 18,000 residents and 10,000 workplaces.
