Espoo Master Plan 2060 – what is it about

Espoo has grown significantly in recent decades and this is expected to continue. Urbanisation is progressing in Finland and a majority of people choose to move to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

In addition to population growth, many other phenomena are changing Espoo. Climate change, digitalisation and the transformation of transport are global mega trends that affect Espoo as well. Concern about biodiversity loss is increasing, even in Espoo. People are living increasingly longer, which means that their needs regarding housing, local environment and services are changing. At the same time, younger people from various corners of the world are moving to Espoo.

The master plan is a tool with which the city will anticipate and prepare for coming changes so that growth can be managed in a controlled and systematic manner. As the city grows, we need more housing and services. Mobility needs are increasing, but the disadvantages of traffic must be minimised.

Current and future residents of Espoo appreciate local nature and our recreational areas. In our city of the future, living a climate-wise life must be easy and comfortable. The increasing population of our city is boosting our vitality, and new opportunities for business are opening up.

Preparing a master plan is the responsibility of the municipality, which is stipulated in the Land Use Act and Building Act. Master planning in Espoo is guided by the Uusimaa regional plan. Detailed planning, in turn, is based on the master plan.

The goals of the master plan are based on the Espoo Story. It defines what Espoo’s values are and what kind of future the city wants to build. The City Board formally accepted the goals of the master plan at its meeting on 13 March 2023.

• Preparing for the growth of the city.
• Focusing new construction primarily along the current and future rail networks and the most significant public transport routes, ensuring functional and smooth vehicle traffic. Developing the areas between the densifying areas for mainly detached residential housing.
• Facilitating the development and adaptation of distinctive blocks of flats and detached houses to the existing building stock and the surrounding land use, preventing segregation.
• Strengthening the innovation hubs and ensuring the needs of diverse business activities. Promoting the centre structure to combine private and public services, jobs and housing.
• Developing the city by cherishing its history and layered present.

• Improving the east-west public transport network and cycling conditions.
• Protecting carbon sinks and stocks.
• Supporting the attractiveness of and diverse activities in the urban, local and regional centres.
• Facilitating carbon-neutral energy solutions.
• Identifying regional risks due to climate change, promoting climate change adaptation.

• Improving walkability and comfort in the densifying urban environment.
• Protecting local nature and accessible recreational areas by, for example, expanding Central Park.
• Supporting the strengthening of biodiversity.
• Strengthening the significance of maritime characteristics and water bodies.

These values also emerged in interaction with residents. Espoo is growing, but together we can define what kind of future we want for our city. The master plan will allow us to direct the development of the city in accordance with our goals.

Further information:

• Find out how residents have contributed to the goal-setting process

The master plan sets, on a general level, the direction and emphases of the city’s growth. We look at the different areas of the city and their development. At the same time, we aim to make the city work as a whole.

• In which areas will the Espoo residents of the future find a home?  
• What are attractive locations for workplaces?  
• What kind of urban centres do we create?  
• How do we ensure smooth transport and mobility?  
• How do we take care of nature and recreational areas?

The purpose of a master plan is to guide the placement of the various functions of a community: housing, services, workplaces and recreation areas. The master plan also coordinates these activities.

The master plan indicates the main purposes and main transport networks of the areas. The master plan map does not show all local services such as shops, schools and day care centres. Not all nearby recreational areas or streets will be marked on the map either. They will emerge in detailed planning.

The master plan does not lead directly to construction. It provides guidelines on the basis of which planning can continue in detailed planning. Usually, detailed planning is launched at the initiative of the landowner.

The master plan includes two time spans of different lengths which have their own tasks.

In the medium term – around 10–12 years – the master plan will guide more localised planning, such as detailed planning. In order to design our city in the medium term, we must have a vision for the future.

In the long term – over the coming decades – the master plan will anticipate and prepare for possible changes. As the world keeps on changing, surprising developments may emerge in the coming decades. Espoo Master Plan 2060 does not strive to be a precise forecast or plan set in stone; instead, it will be updated along the way.  

Further information:

• Read more about the master plan as part of land use planning

The future of our city concerns all Espoo residents. The master plan affects the daily life of all residents and, for example, the operating conditions of companies. Therefore, planning requires a wide range of information and visions of the future. That is why we cooperate extensively with residents and other stakeholders.

The preparation of the master plan is the responsibility of the Espoo City Planning Department. It employs professionals from a wide range of fields, including architects and landscape architects, engineers, and geographers. In addition to experts in urban planning, the preparations include experts in themes such as climate and nature issues, the city’s technical maintenance and cultural environments.

• reports
• consultations with experts and authorities from different fields
• discussions with and feedback from residents
• discussions with stakeholders, such as the business community and those responsible for the technical maintenance of the city
• cooperation with various city sectors.

The city’s elected officials play an important role. They decide what is a good direction for Espoo and how the different areas of the city can develop in a balanced way. The City Board decides on the goals of the master plan and makes the draft plan and proposal available for public review. The master plan is approved by the council.

Espoo’s decision-making is guided by legislation, the Uusimaa regional plan, the MAL agreement between the state and the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, and the Espoo Story.

Even before the planning process was initiated in autumn 2022, the designers collected information and opinions from different sources: residents, experts in different fields and other stakeholders.

During the preparation stage, the designers prepared a draft plan. It will be subjected to an impact assessment by experts. Experts from different fields will assess the impact that the master plan would have on things such as

• the living conditions and environment of people
• the environment and climate, nature and natural resources
• regional and community structure, community and energy economy
• transport and mobility
• cityscape, landscape, cultural environments
• business life

The planners will review the feedback given by the residents and other interested parties. They will reconcile the different perspectives and goals as well as possible and prepare a plan proposal. The plan proposal is estimated to be ready for public review in 2026. Residents will then have the opportunity to give feedback on the proposal. The city’s aim is to have the final master plan accepted in 2027.

Further information:

• Read more about the master plan preparation process.
• Read about residents’ participation in the preparation of Espoo Master Plan 2060