Photo: Helsinki City
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Helsinki plans to bring back its summer street arrangements in the Kallio district next year, following positive feedback from residents and local businesses. The initiative, launched as a pilot this summer, aimed to turn busy urban streets into pedestrian-friendly areas with more greenery, seating, and public spaces.
City officials confirmed on Monday that early assessments suggest the project will continue in 2026, with a final decision expected this autumn.
“Helsinki residents have been very pleased,” said Pirita Ilmonen, project engineer for the City of Helsinki. “There have even been requests to bring summer streets to other parts of the city.”
The summer streets project temporarily removed some parking spaces to make way for planters, light wooden structures, and movable furniture. These changes were concentrated along streets such as Porthaninkatu and Fleminginkatu, as well as near Karhupuisto park and Kallio Church. Upgrades were also made at public squares including Torkkelinaukio, Ympyrätalo, and Kolmas linja.
An event stage was placed near Kallio Library to support community gatherings and performances.
According to Ilmonen, the project was developed together with residents and nearby businesses. “The summer shows what works and what may need to be adjusted,” she said.
While most of the public feedback has been positive, some concerns were raised, particularly around traffic flow and reduced parking availability. The city said it will review the experiences from this summer before confirming next year’s plans.
The city spent approximately 1.5 million euros on the project, which is part of a wider strategy to improve the liveability of central neighbourhoods during summer months.
No major changes are currently expected for the 2026 version of the project. The temporary nature of the street designs means they can be dismantled in autumn and reinstalled the following spring with minor adjustments if needed.
City officials say future decisions will continue to balance mobility, accessibility, and the demand for more public spaces in densely populated districts like Kallio.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
