The City of Helsinki is planning summer streets in the Kallio area. The preparation is based on the wishes of city residents to have summer streets in Kallio. Several participatory budgeting proposals have suggested both temporary and permanent improvements to the walking environment in Kallio. According to a 2022 resident survey, Vaasankatu and Fleminginkatu were among the most desirable destinations for summer streets in Helsinki.
The Kallio summer streets are intended to bring improvements to the walking environment and the comfort of the area for the summer seasons 2025 and 2026. Tentatively, the summer streets would be open from May to the end of September in 2025 and 2026. The summer street measures are especially targeted at the surroundings of Fleminginkatu, Porthaninkatu and Vaasankatu. In addition, individual sites will be implemented throughout the neighborhood in Torkkelinaukio Square and in front of Kallio Church, for example.
In the draft plan of Kallio's summer streets, the area would have many seating areas, terraces by restaurants, cultural and art activities, as well as fixtures and street greenery, a dance floor, games and play opportunities.
The City of Helsinki has implemented summer streets since 2021. Trials that improve the walking environment, such as summer streets, are also part of the measures of the walking promotion programme.
Residents’ own ideas for summer streets!
Kallio's summer streets are created together with residents and entrepreneurs in the area. Local residents, entrepreneurs and other actors have participated in the planning of the Kallio summer streets in workshops in August and September.
Workshop results were used as a basis for draft plans, which city residents can now comment on in the Kerro kantasi (Voice your opinion) survey(Link leads to external service) until 17 November.
“We would also like to know what kind of things the city residents would like to implement for themselves on the Kallio summer streets. We are happy to hear more about the ideas and can be contacted at a low threshold,” says Project Manager Valtteri Karttunen.
The idea can be, for example, an event, a work of art or something else entirely. You can find the contact details of our coordinators on the project website at hel.fi/kallio-summer-streets.
Kallio summer streets to enter decision-making in November
Kallio's summer streets will be discussed by the Urban Environment Committee on Tuesday 12 November. The Committee will decide on the further planning of the summer streets.
The feedback received through resident interaction and the survey, in turn, will be carefully evaluated and the feedback will be utilised in the details of the plans, as the preparation of summer streets proceeds to further planning. The feedback will also be taken into account when planning permanent improvements in the area.
