Half a century as a city

This article has originally been published in the Espoo Magazine 4/2021. Read other articles in the Espoo Magazine 4/2021

Espoo was transformed from a township to a city in 1972. The oldest historical mention of Espoo dates back to 1431. In the 1400s, Espoo gained independence from Kirkkonummi and became its own parish. It officially became a township in 1963. Many of Espoo’s largest suburbs, such as Soukka, were built around the time of the city’s birth. 

More than 8,000 people currently live in Soukka, which has been inhabited since the early Iron Age. The district is divided into the more forested area of Ala-Soukka and Ylä-Soukka, which is filled with apartment buildings and a shopping centre. Architecturally, the suburb is dominated by 1960s modernism and high-rise concrete construction. 

And just like 50 years ago, new things are being built. The metro will start running to Soukka in 2023, and the station will be underneath the shopping centre. Two entrances to the station are being built: you will be able to reach the metro platforms from Yläkartanontie by escalator or diagonal elevator, and from Soukantori using a regular elevator. The future station’s architecture will harmonise with the area’s 1960s vibe, and Soukantori’s outdoor pool will also be refurbished. 

The metro is expected to increase both complementary and replacement construction, which could bring an estimated thousand new residents to Soukka. 

Text: Eemeli Sarka