Inspired by the summer of Kasarmitor last summer, Helsinki is currently planning four summer streets in the Kaartinkaupungi area. The summer streets create a pleasant promenade from the beginning of June to the end of August.
The traffic arrangements and services on the summer streets will be changed so that the area attracts as many people as possible to enjoy the city’s summer. added to the summer streets around Kasarmitori.
The planned summer streets will create a unified walking network from Kaartinkaupungi to Ullanlinna. As last summer, the first section will be located on Kasarmikatu between Eteläesplanadi and Pohjoisen Makasiinikatu. The route continues from Kasarmikatu to Pieni Roobertinkatu and from there to Erottaja. On Erottajankatu, one lane is reserved for terraces and pedestrians.
The small Roobertinkatu has a natural connection to the Big Roobertinkatu, which is already a pedestrian street, and to the south to Korkeavuorenkatu. Kesäkatu continues along Korkeavuorenkatu to the section between Tarkk’ampujankatu and Vuorimiehenkatu.
Signs will be added to nearby streets, such as Yrjönkatu, Ratakatu and Kapteeninkatu, to direct visitors to the summer streets. The traffic arrangements on the summer streets are designed especially to take pedestrians into account. Vehicle traffic will be arranged for the properties and service car traffic. More detailed traffic solutions are manufactured as part of a traffic management plan.
Summer streets increase the area’s attractiveness and vitality
This year, Helsinki is celebrating design, marking the 10th anniversary of the city’s World Design Capital. Today, design is an integral part of the planning of the city’s various activities. Summer street experiments can also provide more lasting ideas for creating new and attractive places by improving the comfort of the streets and small squares or providing better access between existing popular destinations. For example, we are currently exploring the possibility of adding terraces and cultural activities to the square in front of the Design Museum. Summer streets support sustainable growth and seek to increase the vitality of the area by increasing the flow of people.
“Summer streets are also helping to implement the city’s new strategy. The strategy clearly states that we invest in good urban facilities that invite everyone to spend time and stay and create the conditions for successful commercial services, “says Anni SinnemäkiDeputy Mayor for the Urban Environment.
The summer terraces of Senate Square and Barracks Market were very popular. A summer terrace is also planned for the coming summer, but its location and shape are under construction. No decisions have yet been made on the terrace.
When planning summer streets, the lessons and wishes of last summer are utilized
In June-August 2021, almost twice as many people walked the summer streets of Kasarmitor in the evenings and on weekends as in May, when the summer streets were just established. The concentration of people in this period is explained by the proximity of the summer terrace of Kasarmitor, the opening hours of local restaurants and the increase in demand.
The amount of motor vehicle traffic on the streets surrounding the Barracks decreased to about a quarter of the starting level. Cycling in the area increased quite significantly, but the starting level was, to put it mildly, moderate.
Most of the people on the streets and the entrepreneurs in the area gave very positive feedback about the summer streets and the summer terrace of Kasarmitor, and the experiment was considered to have significantly improved the attractiveness of the area.
“In our survey of entrepreneurs in the region, they said the experiment led to an increased flow of people in the area and this boosted their business. The feedback we received included requests to curb driving speeds and increase the attractiveness of the activities offered to city residents of all ages, especially families with children, ”he says. Henna Hovisummer street project manager.
| Map of planned summer streets. |
Residents and entrepreneurs in the area are invited to participate in interaction events
Interaction events are organized for entrepreneurs and residents of the area. In brainstorming workshop 15.2. from 8.30am to 10pm the city is looking for partners who are interested in designing various events, terraces or works of art for the summer streets. The workshop will also seek ideas for the look and concept of the streets.
Street plans will be presented at online events in March and the views of local entrepreneurs and residents will also be gathered. Resident interaction event will be held from 1 pm to 6 pm on 1 March. In business interaction event On March 2, from 8.30 am to 10 am, the erection of terraces on the summer streets will be discussed. Entrepreneurs designing a terrace especially on the summer streets are welcome to the event. The program and instructions for online events can be found in the event information.
Source: City of Helsinki Urban Environment Department
Source: The Nordic Page