The residents’ meeting served as a kick-off for this year’s key urban planning projects, with nearly 180 participants attending in person and remotely.
These diverse projects challenge to develop cooperation between different units of the organization, universities, and residents.
– These are all huge projects, and each one certainly deserves its own event. However, they are all interrelated. The aim is to create an excellent urban space in connection with nature for the residents of Lahti, both new and existing, said mayor Niko Kyynäräinen.
The location of the campus is being studied
According to the city’s strategy, Lahti should be developed as a modern university and environmental city. This year, the possibility of building a campus in Ranta-Kartano, near Vesijärvi and Kisapuisto, is being studied in cooperation with the city and the Lahti universities LUT and LAB.
– The location of the campus in the city center would bring a huge boost to the whole city. The presence of students in everyday life, new business opportunities, and the flow of the scientific community would bring faith in the future to all Lahti residents, Kyynäräinen described.
The design principles are sustainability, responsibility, and accessibility. Integration into the urban structure as well as sports, culture, and events are also important. The goal is a high-quality cityscape that also renews the identity of Lahti.
A sports center for many needs
The Europa 18 architectural competition, which was resolved in the fall, serves as a high-quality reference plan.
The goal of investments in the coming years is to enable the organization of the World Ski Championships in 2029. In addition, there is a desire to provide more skiing training opportunities for residents and tourists.
The water sports center planned for the area would offer a 50-meter swimming pool as well as a wide range of services that would also be available during major events in the area.
A reference plan for the water sports center was presented at the event. A draft zoning plan for the site is also to be prepared this year. Issues related to parking and the greening of the area will also be resolved in the coming years.
Three drafts for Kisapuisto
Draft zoning plans for Kisapuisto (Olympic park) have been prepared over the past year in active cooperation with local clubs, residents, and decision-makers. The drafts aim to combine various wishes, and the city planning department is now seeking discussion on how successful this has been.
The three drafts vary, for example, in terms of the amount of construction, solutions for Kariniemenkatu, and access routes. The alternative draft plans will be available for comment on the omalahti.fi website during February.