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The master plan directs land use and traffic as a whole

Where will we build new homes – and what kinds of residential areas and urban centres will we create? How do we ensure smooth traffic and mobility? How do we take care of local nature and recreational areas, forests and shores? These are some of the questions we think about when preparing Espoo Master Plan.

Two timespans – two different purposes

The master plan is a general plan for land use and transport that anticipates the City’s development over the coming decades. Espoo Master Plan looks to 2060.

The master plan involves two timespans of different durations and with separate purposes.

  1. In the long term – in the coming decades – the master plan anticipates and prepares for potential changes.
  2. In the medium term – in about 10–12 years – the master plan directs detailed planning.

For us to plan the City in the medium term, we need to look further into the future. Since the world is constantly changing, the master plan also needs to be updated.

The master plan directs and coordinates various functions

In the master plan, we look at the various areas of the City, and their development, while trying to create a functional whole. In which areas will future Espoo residents find their home? What are attractive locations for workplaces? Which areas will be left completely unbuilt?

With the master plan, we make general decisions about the directions and focuses for the City’s growth. It is the purpose of the master plan to direct the placement of the various functions in society: housing, services, jobs and recreational areas. The master plan also coordinates all of these functions.

The master plan does not lead to growth or construction – but it sets the framework for them

The master plan does not directly affect construction in the City in itself. Instead, it sets the guidelines based on which detailed planning may continue. Detailed planning will only start when the landowner initiates it.

The master plan includes a map with markings and regulations. The master plan also includes a summary that describes the premises of the plan, its content and its key impacts. In connection with the work on the master plan, various surveys that support the planning are prepared.

The master plan designates the main purposes and main transport network of the areas. However, the master plan does not show everything: local services, such as shops, schools or daycare centres, are not included in it. The map also does not show all local recreational areas or streets. These elements will be shown in the detailed plans.

The City Council will decide on approving the master plan. The master plan map, plan markings and plan regulations have legal consequences, which means that they will bind the detailed planning and other types of specific planning.