The city received a total of 14 applications for these two places. In addition to the overall quality of the applications, the selection criteria were the applicants’ previous experience of similar activities, financial resources and the financial viability of the plans.
The goal is to enable long-term operations, and the city enters into 25-year leases with the regions. The city proposes that the plots be reserved for two selected operators for zoning purposes until the end of 2022. The appearance of the buildings and the services provided will be specified during the design process.
Restaurants and a sauna are planned
In Soukanranta, the city proposes a year-round restaurant and sauna building. The working name of the two-storey wood-clad building is Klobbenin Loisto. The plan takes into account public beach services and accessibility. Public toilets on the beach and lifeguard facilities would be located in the building. Solar panels on the roof and geothermal energy were also seen as strengths. Three parking spaces and a larger number of bicycle parking spaces are planned for the plot. In addition, guests arriving by car can use the beach car park. Behind the project is KF Restaurants Oy, which also operates the seaside restaurant Nokkalan Majaka.
It is planned to establish café and restaurant operations in Toppelund, Haukilahti. A wooden building called Fokka would also provide facilities for windsurfers. A parking area for 30 cars is planned in the vicinity of the building. Terraces have been designed on both floors of the building in addition to the 70 seats for indoor guests. Author of the plan Tuomo Vähätiitto, Karri Kivelä and Mikko Salminen the jury praised its accessibility, bicycle parking facilities and brightness.
The Business and Competitiveness Committee of the Espoo City Government will discuss the matter at its meeting on Monday, November 1. The application period for potential Waterfront Walkway cafe and restaurant operators began on March 29 and ended on June 10. In addition to Soukanranta and Toppelund, the city also tried to find an operator for Otsolahti, but neither of the applications met the search criteria.
The Waterfront Walkway is a unique and popular recreational trail that follows the Espoo coastline. The walkway is almost 40 kilometers long and extends from Saunalahti to Laajalahti. There are several cafes and restaurants along the route, and the proposed two year-round restaurants would add to the range of services.
Source: City of Espoo
Source: The Nordic Page