We use the master plan to direct the City’s growth sustainably

As the City grows, we will require more housing and services. People’s mobility needs will increase, but the harmful effects of traffic need to be minimised. Espoo residents of the present and the future value local nature and our recreational areas. In a city of the future, living in a climate-smart way should be easy and pleasant. At its best, the City’s population growth will make it more dynamic, and businesses will have more opportunities.

For the City to grow sustainably, the changes need to be guided. The master plan outline’s Espoo’s land use, transport system and directions of growth until 2060.

Espoo needs a master plan for us to...

•… discuss and agree on the direction of the City’s development

•… anticipate, prepare for and influence the future

•… meet any needs for change and direct the changes

•… develop different parts of the City in a balanced manner

•… build a climate-smart city

•… offer diverse forms of housing, services and recreation to a diverse population

•... protect the valuable natural environment.

In addition to these reasons, a municipality is required by law to direct land use according to its development.

The master plan is based on the Espoo Story

The master plan responds to the goal presented in the Espoo Story, according to which

• we will build our City into a pleasant and safe one

• Espoo’s growth will be economically, environmentally, socially and culturally sustainable

• we will mitigate climate change and adapt to it

• we will prevent segregation between and within regions

• sustainable and smart urban solutions will make everyday life and mobility smoother

• we will accelerate sustainable construction and living urban centres

• diverse and unique districts will offer housing in detached houses, comfortable blocks of flats and a sufficient number of commercial plots

• densely built urban areas along good transport connections will be vibrant and attract service sector companies

• we will look after local nature and biodiversity, even as the City grows.

Espoo is being developed with a focus on residents and customers. Residents and Espoo-based operators have the opportunity to participate in the work on the master plan. Read more about cooperation related to master planning.