Representatives of residents’ associations gathered to discuss plans included in the Espoo Master Plan 2060
We organised a discussion event for residents’ associations on the regional aspects of the Espoo Master Plan 2060 on 15 August 2024. The event was attended by 70 representatives of residents’ associations from all major districts in Espoo. During the evening, each district’s key issues that need to be taken into account in the master plan work were discussed in small groups.
At the event for residents’ associations, association representatives discussed the perspectives of their own major districts with city planners. The discussions were based on preliminary questions sent by the residents’ associations. We received a wealth of valuable local information for the preparation of the master plan.
What kinds of issues were discussed in the different major districts?
The transport system was discussed in the Leppävaara small groups. The light rail lines and the connection to Viiskorpi sparked a lot of discussion. The topics discussed also included biodiversity and carbon sinks. The Leppävaara small groups also discussed the balanced development of major districts and local services. The importance of opinions in master plan work was also discussed.
The Tapiola small group discussed the plan markings and regulations and emphasised their importance, accuracy and sufficient precision. Green networks and the importance of small green areas were also highlighted. In addition, one of the key topics of discussion was what kind of Espoo will remain for future generations of Espoo residents.
The Matinkylä small group discussed public transport solutions. Representatives of residents’ associations were satisfied with the light rail lines. Regarding green and recreational areas, the central park’s area reservation and the overlapping markings visible in the master plan sparked a lot of discussion. The Rantaraitti line in the plan was supported. It was hoped that housing and urban green would intertwine and create a comfortable urban environment.
The conversations of the Espoonlahti small group turned to the topic of workplaces. Representatives of residents’ associations wished for more workplaces and office premises near the metro stations. In the discussion, concerns were expressed about the additional construction related to the new metro lines and, in particular, the blocks of flats located in the current single-family house-dominated areas. When it came to environmental issues, the green and recreational areas and their connections, groundwater, climate and restoration measures were discussed.
In the small group of Kauklahti and Vanha-Espoo, the residents’ association representatives expressed that they want to participate in the assessment of environmental values before the final master plan. The group’s discussions also raised concerns about public services, commercial local services and transport. The residents’ association representatives were also interested in the relationship between the Espoo Master Plan 2060 and the master plan for the northern and central areas of Espoo (POKE).
In northern Espoo, planning cooperation with neighbouring municipalities was seen as important, as housing and mobility are also linked to Helsinki, Vantaa and Nurmijärvi. Representatives of residents’ associations were also interested in the relationship between the Espoo Master Plan 2060 and the master plan for the northern and central areas of Espoo (POKE), as well as the order of implementation of POKE and the detailed plan. Transport was also discussed from many perspectives, such as public transport and passenger transport, as well as pedestrian and bicycle lanes.
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Announcements on the progress of the planning work will be provided through the Master Plan 2060 website and the City of Espoo town plan announcements (in Finnish). If you would like to receive email notifications about plan progress, you can subscribe to our regular Have Your Say Now newsletter (in Finnish).