Photo: Sakari Mentu
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The City of Helsinki is seeking a development partner for Haltiala Farm through a concept competition that combines tourism, animal care and environmental heritage. The city is offering the farm’s buildings and domestic animals for sale at a fixed price of €400,000.
Participants have until 22 August to submit their proposals. The goal is to transform Haltiala into a vibrant year-round destination while preserving its role as a domestic animal farm.
The winning concept will be selected based on quality, feasibility, and alignment with the city’s goals.
Haltiala is a popular family attraction in northern Helsinki, with sheep, cows and other animals on display. The competition calls for ideas that incorporate tourism, accommodation, restaurant services, environmental education, and other activities that could broaden the site’s appeal.
Current farm functions will continue under new ownership. According to the competition rules, at least some animals must remain viewable free of charge.
The 29 buildings across the Haltiala, Kellarimäki and Niskala areas include barns, homes, sheds and stables. Most are protected structures. In total, the area offers approximately 2,500 floor square metres of unused building rights. Five unused building sites in Haltiala and two in Niskala also allow for potential new construction to replace previously demolished buildings.
The main building of Haltiala was heavily damaged in a fire in the 1950s and later removed. Reconstruction of the building is allowed but must be agreed upon with the Helsinki City Museum.
The city is targeting entrepreneurs or groups with proven experience in agricultural tourism or animal husbandry. Applicants must demonstrate expertise in animal welfare, project planning in culturally sensitive environments, and have the financial and technical re, open until 25 May. The form allows suggestions for services and events that could be introduced in Haltiala.
The Urban Environment Committee, which approved the sale on 15 April, will choose the winning proposal in early 2026.
Competition materials are available via the City of Helsinki’s website.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
