Kannelmäki is a developing green residential area close to nature with a population of 13,000 and offering various outdoor and cultural services. It is located next to the Ring Rail Line, which is only about 14 minutes by train from the centre of Helsinki.
Kannelmäki is a lush residential area in western Helsinki with good transport connections. The building stock in Kannelmäki is a combination of the '60s and trends from later decades. The Kanneltalo cultural centre, located next to Kannelmäki train station, is a landmark in the area. It offers residents and visitors a variety of cultural activities and events, adult education, and library and youth services. The most significant hub of commercial services in Kannelmäki is the Kaari shopping centre. The accessibility of Kannelmäki will be further improved in the future when the West Helsinki Light Rail line is built from the centre of Helsinki to Kannelmäki via Munkkiniemi and Lassila.
The Mätäjoki river and Kartanonhaka park area between Kannelmäki and Malminkartano provide a great setting for outdoor activities. A pool and a jetty have been built at the riverbend, which also attracts a variety of bird species. In addition to Kannelmäki Sports Park, the nearby area includes Lassila Sports Park and the Malminkartano fitness stairs.
Together, Malminkartano and Kannelmäki make up one of Helsinki’s four suburban regeneration areas that the city will invest heavily in developing over the coming years. Suburban regeneration means long-term development of Malminkartano and Kannelmäki through infill construction and expanded services, as well as short-term measures to improve the urban environment, for example, in the station area and other public spaces.
There are ongoing planning projects in Kannelmäki that will complement the area’s urban structure, especially around the Kaari shopping centre and the planned final stop of the light rail line at Kantelettarentie.
The transformation of the old shopping centre area in Kannelmäki into a residential neighbourhood began based on a detailed plan that came into effect in 2016. Housing for about 650 residents will be built on the site, along with facilities for local services. In addition, the construction of new right-of-occupancy and rental apartments has started on Pasuunakuja.
The detailed planning for Laulukuja, Halsuantie, and Vetelitie aims to develop the Kaare shopping centre and future light rail line terminus area. New housing and services are planned for the area. A new building for the Kannelkoti senior home is also planned to be built in the same location.
The Public Area Plan for Kaarela was completed in 2024. The plan proposes the planning and implementation of improvements to the pedestrian crossings on Kanneltie, the renovation of Antinniitty park, and the restoration of Kannelpolku and Kaustisenpolku in Kannelmäki over the next four years.
Sitra square underwent general renovations and lighting upgrades in 2023. The refurbishment of the area will continue with the renovation of Kannelmäki station, which will take place in the spring and summer of 2026.
A new building for approximately 750 pupils will be built for Kannelmäki Primary School on Runonlaulajantie. Construction is estimated to begin in early 2025, with a target completion date in spring 2027.
The new Daycare Aurinkokallio, which will replace the Pelimanni and Tiuku daycare centres, will be completed in 2025. The new construction at Daycare Vanhainen was completed at the beginning of 2024.
Local detailed plans determine the land use of an area, for example, where apartments, offices, parks, streets and other roads will be built.
Kannelmäki is situated near excellent public transport connections. The Ring Rail Line connects to the airport by train in 20 minutes and to Helsinki city centre in 14 minutes. In the future, Kannelmäki will be part of the tram city, as the planned new West Helsinki Light Rail line will run from the Kantelettarentie terminus in Kannelmäki to the city centre via Lassila and Munkkiniemi.
Cycling connections will be improved when the Myyrmäenbaana sections in the Kannelmäki and Malminkartano areas are built. The timetable for the completion of the Baana will be specified as the area’s land use development progresses.
The commercial services in Kannelmäki are concentrated in the Kaari shopping centre, the area of the Kannelmäki shopping centre and the Kannelmäki station area.
There are several day-care centres, schools, retirement homes and a health centre in Kannelmäki and its vicinity. New day-care centres are also under construction. Kanneltalo offers cultural services, a library and a youth centre.
