Unique Espoo

The world is undergoing rapid change, which is also affecting our home city. Urbanisation is increasing the population of Espoo. The city must face up to the challenges of climate change and a sustainable future. The aim of urban planning is to preserve the characteristics of Espoo while guiding the city’s transformation in a sustainable direction.

Espoo is known in particular for its cosy single-family house areas and the traditional villages of Northern Espoo. Centres of urban life are developing along the metro and the City Rail Link, where modern blocks of flats, including residential tower buildings, are being built. New single-family house areas are being planned around urban centres.

In the city planning of Espoo, our aim is to provide a wide range of living environments for our diverse residents.

Espoo has rich nature and cultural environments, which can be preserved through city planning. The sea, the waterfront walkway and the archipelago are the gems of Espoo. The varying cultural environment shows Espoo’s long history and makes the area distinctive.

Nuuksio National Park attracts visitors from the entire Metropolitan Area. In Espoo’s Central Park, people pick berries and mushrooms, jog, cycle and ski. Local nature of their own residential area is important for the health and well-being of Espoo residents.

Natural and cultural environments are a resource for the residents and the City, and we also look after them through city planning.

Espoo is growing as a part of the Metropolitan Area and the global phenomenon of urbanisation. New residents will need housing, and sufficient housing construction is a prerequisite for reasonably-priced housing.

Along the West Metro line and the railways, city-like centres are developing with services close to the residents. The extension of the West Metro was completed in December 2022, and brought five new metro stations to Espoo: Finnoo, Kaitaa, Soukka, Espoonlahti and Kivenlahti. Along the railway, Leppävaara and Espoon keskus are growing, and Kera is developing into a smart circular economy district.

When we concentrate our construction into centres, close to good services and public transport connections, we can minimise the growth of car traffic. Dense, urban living in the centre reduces the pressure to build new recreational areas and allows for local nature to be preserved.

Through city planning, we can support the uniqueness of the centres in Espoo. Matinkylä and Espoonlahti emphasise the maritime atmosphere, while Tapiola focuses on culture and sports. Lively and diverse Leppävaara offers excellent services and exercise opportunities. Espoon keskus is the heart of the City’s cultural history, developing into a modern and pleasant urban centre.

Espoo has traditionally been considered a car-heavy city, but the importance of public transport and the services are increasing. Now that the West Metro is completed, Espoonlahti and Kivenlahti are the western terminus points of the metro line. Jokeri Light Rail will connect Leppävaara and Otaniemi. The Jokeri Light Rail will start operating, at the latest, in early 2024. The upcoming extension of the urban rail line from Leppävaara to Kauklahti will increase the departures in local transport. Other public transport connections between Espoo’s urban centres will also be improved in the future. The new railway to Salo will allow new areas to be covered by rail connections.

Espoo also wishes to promote walking and cycling. We will develop the urban centres and residential areas to be even more pleasant and safer. We will develop an appealing urban environment for pedestrians and efficient routes for cyclists. Space for park-and-ride services will be reserved at public transport stations and hubs, so that combining cycling and public transport is easy.