Planning of Sepänmäki in Malmi aims for a natural and village-like environment

A boost in residential construction is planned for Ala-Malmi, an existing area of small apartment blocks in Sepänmäki and the Väärämäentie terraced housing area. At the same time, the possibility of locating local services such as a daycare centre and small-scale commercial premises in the area will be explored, and the outdoor recreation trails in Sepänmäenpuisto will be developed. The starting points for the change to the area's local detailed plan will be discussed at an online event on Monday 6 March 2023.
Ilmakuva Malmin Sepänmäen nykyisestä asuinalueesta.
Photo: Helsingin kaupunki

The Sepänmäki area awaiting the change to the local detailed plan is situated in Ala-Malmi in the area between the Malmi centre and the Malminkenttä area. Currently, the planning area consists of two-storey apartment buildings, a block of terraced houses on Väärämäentie and Sepänmäenpuisto park.

New construction planned for existing residential areas in Sepänmäki

The aim is to create a new natural and apartment-building-oriented residential area near the diverse services of Malmi. The demolition of existing buildings is being studied. The regeneration could result in a future population of between 1,500 and 1,750 inhabitants. The aim is to enable a diverse and high-quality housing mix, with a variety of building types and tenures. The design aims to create a village-like atmosphere in the area.

The aim is to enhance the amenity and biodiversity of the courtyards and surrounding area by making use of the area's rocks and trees. The courtyards will be designed to be spacious. Buildings and courtyards will be designed to take advantage of the height differences in the terrain, the landscapes and views. The provision for the daycare centre plot will be located in a safe and quiet area, with the courtyard facing in a favourable direction.

Street areas will be improved for walking and cycling, which may require a small widening of existing streets. Parking will be adapted to the area through environmentally friendly and space-saving solutions. Construction facing the streets will allow for sheltered and peaceful courtyards and village-style street spaces with varied views.

The Gasgrid gas pipeline that runs along the edge of Sepänmäenpuisto imposes constraints on construction, which will be clarified as planning progresses. The construction and courtyard solutions will also be affected by the noise from traffic on Ring I.

Flygbild av Smedbacka i Malm med planeringsområde med vit ritning.
The planning area of Sepänmäki is marked with white. Photo: Helsingfors stad

Sepänmäenpuisto is an area of history and nature

Sepänmäenpuisto is home to World War I-era fortifications and valuable forest sites. It is also an important habitat for flying squirrels. The existing Sepänmäenpuisto will therefore be developed in a subtle way that preserves the values of its fortified architecture, woodland and wildlife. However, there is a need to develop outdoor recreation trails in the park area as the population increases, while at the same time allowing for the preservation of areas of value by guiding people along the trails. Facilities for small-scale local physical exercise and recreation will also be explored in the existing Sepänmäki block.

Attend the online residents’ event on 6 March 2023

The starting points of the project and the progress of the planning process will be presented at an online residents’ event on Monday 6 March 2023 from 17.00 to 17.45. For more information and a link to join the event, visit hel.fi/asukastilaisuudet (in Finnish) The event will be recorded and the recording will be available for viewing on the Helsinki Urban Environment Division's YouTube channel(Link leads to external service) for a two-week period. The project’s participation and assessment plan will be available from 6 to 24 March 2022 at the website Participate in city planning.

The planning situation will also be presented later in the spring at Uutta Koillis-Helsinkiä online event on 24 May 2023. The draft plan will be made available for public consultation early in 2024 and the related interaction will be announced separately.