The City of Helsinki has sold the Vallila Primary School building to public property investor Hemsö and rented the property for at least 20 years. Hemsö will be carrying out the extensive renovation of the building.
This is a pilot project for the City to help collect information on the use of the tenancy model at renovation targets. Previously, the city has carried out various new construction as tenancy projects: as an example, Hemsö is currently building a new daycare centre for the city in Herttoniemi.
— Our target is to disperse the city’s property risk,” says Jarmo Raveala, Head of Unit from the City of Helsinki Urban Environment Division.
— The Vallila Primary School project will provide us with valuable information on how the tenancy model compares to other models in a renovated property. The Vallila solution is also financially competitive.
Renovation that puts learning first
While the city may have sold the building, its facilities will be renovated at least as carefully as in the city’s own projects. The school building, which holds cultural and historical value, will be renovated with respect for the old and under consultation of the City Museum. The ecological friendliness of the facilities will be improved where possible, such as with geothermal heating. It is important for the facilities’ users to be heard regarding how they use the facilities for the project and the planning of its implementation.
The previous renovation took place five decades ago. Now, Hemsö will be carrying out an extensive renovation of the building. The work will begin in January 2025 and are estimated to be completed in summer 2026, allowing the autumn term to start in the renovated school.
The project covers 3,600 square metres and Hemsö’s total investment is over €15 million. Rakennus Oy Antti J. Ahola has been chosen as the general contractor.
During the renovation, the school functions will move from Hämeentie to the buildings at Nilsiänkatu 3 and Sturenkatu 2.
