The protection entity on the lot will also be reviewed during the detailed plan revision. The old section of the theatre is already protected by a regulation under the Act on the Protection of Buildings, and an updated protection order in accordance with the Act on the Protection of the Built Heritage is being processed by the Uusimaa Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment. The extension is not currently protected, but the protection of its Bulevardi-side facade is being investigated in the detailed plan.
The detailed plan revision was initiated based on an application by the landowner. Senate Properties sold the Alexander Theatre to a private property owner in 2022. The objective of the new owner is to develop the property for theatre and hotel use.
The Alexander Theatre was completed in 1879 and it served as the Russian theatre in Helsinki until 1917 when Finland became independent. In 1918–1993, the building hosted the Finnish National Opera and Ballet (previously the Domestic Opera). An extension was completed at the side of the original opera building in 1953. It contained office space, in addition to storage, rehearsal and dressing room facilities. Since 1993, the theatre has operated as a guest stage.
Currently, the old section of the building serves active theatre operations. The theatre hall and the connected foyer and lobby areas are well-preserved and have special cultural-historical value. The extension houses both areas for staff and office space that is currently rented out. The extension also has rehearsal halls and dressing rooms that are used by hobby groups in the evenings.
Both options add three new levels to the extension
The detailed plan revision is based on the idea that more floor area could be allowed for the extension for the hotel. However, architectural solutions have not been cemented yet, which is why there are two alternative plans. The plans are subject to changes during the detailed plan process.
Both options are based on a solution where part of the facades of the 1950s extension are preserved as they are and the rest are rebuilt in keeping with the style of the original extension. The two options only differ from each other in terms of the architecture of the new build and architectural modellings. Both options preserve the trees along Albertinkatu and Bulevardi that are significant in terms of cityscape, reduce the number of parking spots and create more pronounced front areas for both the theatre and the hotel.
Learn more about the plans and provide feedback by 6 May
- You can view and comment the plans in the Kerro Kantasi service at https://kerrokantasi.hel.fi/(Link leads to external service) from 15 April to 6 May 2024.
- You can read more about the participation and evaluation plan and the plan preparation material (reference plan) between 15 April and 6 May 2024 at www.hel.fi/en/urban-environment-and-traffic/urban-planning-and-construction/participate-in-city-planning.
- The plans are presented briefly on Wednesday 24 April as part of the local Uutta Kantakaupunkia (new city centre) event. The event will be held online. The event will start at 17.00. The programme, participation link and other instructions are available online at hel.fi/asukastilaisuudet. A recording of the event will be available for three months after the event on the Urban Environment Division’s YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/kymp-youtube(Link leads to external service).
Please provide any opinions on the participation and evaluation plan and the preparatory material on 6 May 2024 at the latest. Written opinions must be submitted to the City of Helsinki Register Office (Pohjoisesplanadi 11–13) by email to helsinki.kirjaamo@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program) or post to City of Helsinki, Register Office, Urban Environment Division, PO Box 10, 00099 City Of Helsinki.
Once the opinions have been received, the planning will continue and the plan proposal will be drafted.
A detailed plan revision was initiated for the Alexander Theatre lot located along Bulevardi. A hotel is planned for the extension of the theatre completed in 1953. This requires that the extension be elevated by adding three levels.