The owner of Hylkysaari, Valo Finland Oy, aims to renovate the oldest buildings on the island and the famous pilot station building to their former glory. There is also a plan to build an extension that suits the environment in connection with the repaired pilot station. The extension would be used as hotel facilities.
In addition, smaller cabins are planned for the area, to be used for accommodation. The intention is to demolish the buildings from the 1980s.
Find out about Hylkysaari and the plans regarding it
The city has launched preparations for a detailed plan revision, which would enable the development of Hylkysaari. The zoning is guided by the Helsinki City Plan 2016, where the island is listed as a maritime recreation and tourism area.
A total of approximately 1,000 floor square metres of new buildings are planned for the island. They will be placed considering the environment as well as cultural and historical perspectives. From the perspective of the city, construction must not be carried out too close to the shore, and the view to the island from the city centre must remain as it has been. In addition, planning must ensure that most of the island remains open for everyone.
At the moment, Hylkysaari can be accessed on two artificial necks of land from Korkeasaari Zoo. According to the preliminary plan, most of the traffic to the island would in the future be carried out by sea, and the necks of land could be replaced by a pedestrian bridge.
You can find out more about Hylkysaari and the related plans in an open event organised by Valo Finland Oy on 13 November at 12.30–15. Guided access to Hylkysaari through Korkeasaari Zoo on foot.
The detailed plan revision has been initiated on 30 October. The current materials can be viewed in the Helsinki map service, and opinions can be submitted regarding the participation and assessment plan created as the foundation of zoning until 17 November 2023. From 30 October to 17 November, the materials are also available at https://www.hel.fi/en/urban-environment-and-traffic/urban-planning-and-construction/participate-in-city-planning.
The plan will be revised as necessary as the zoning process proceeds. The aim is to bring the detailed plan revision proposal to the Urban Environment Committee in spring 2024.
The island has a long history
Through the years, the four-hectare Hylkysaari has been used as cow pasturage for the residents of the city, as well as a shipyard area, and a home for pilot barracks of the Finnish Maritime Administration and the Maritime Museum of Finland.
The best known landmark of the island is the pilot station building built in 1909, where the Maritime Museum operated before being moved to Kotka in 2007. There have also been two villas. The remaining one, Villa Ida, is a protected building, just like the pilot station.
The original pilot station building has been renovated several times along the years. Some aspects of the outside of the building can be renovated to more resemble the original, but the renovations must not endanger the values or style of the building.
For the past years, the buildings on the island have been empty, waiting for renovations. The State-owned Senate Properties sold Hylkysaari to its current owner in 2021.
