Nature became a central topic at the Kaitaa metro centre plan residents’ event
The residents’ event attracted nearly 80 participants to Kaitaa lower secondary school on 5 May 2025 to hear about and discuss the plan. The event included a presentation of the preparation material for the detailed plan and two different draft plans. Finally, the participants gathered around tables for a short time together with the planners. In addition to the planners, two members of the City Planning Committee were present to exchange ideas with the residents and the planners: Auli Ülle, chair of the event and member of the committee, and Jouni J. Särkijärvi, chair of the committee.
The Kaitaa metro centre area is planned to include urban development and local services on the ground floors of residential buildings. The development of the area will support the establishment of the Kaitaa metro centre area, Iivisniemi and Hannusranta as a local centre with a wide range of services.
Below is an interview conducted after the event with the lead planner, Architect Patrik Otranen, Traffic Planning Engineer Kaisa Lahti and Landscape Architect Anja Karhula.
Which aspects of the Kaitaa metro centre plan were of most interest to the residents?
Protection of the flying squirrel and preservation of forest and tree cover sparked a lot of discussion at the event. Another issue raised was whether the area to be built will naturally blend in with the Iivisniemi area as a whole. The residents felt that the planned density of the area and the volume of construction were too high. Opinions were divided on the two multi-storey car parks included in the plan. On the one hand, they save space, but they were also considered to be too large. The participants were mostly satisfied with the increase in services in the area.
The residents perceived Kaitaa as a peaceful and green residential area. The local nature is valuable to them. It has been an important factor for residents when choosing where to live. The participants hoped that the local nature and the extensive green areas would be preserved in the future.
What was the atmosphere at the event like?
The atmosphere of the event was good. The feedback received was also constructive. The participants were genuinely interested in the development of the plan area.
What is important to understand about the Kaitaa area and the Kaitaa metro centre plan?
Espoo is a rapidly growing city. It makes sense to concentrate the growth areas in the vicinity of rail transport. This development is guided by the government and the higher levels of planning: the regional plan and the master plan. More intensive development of station areas will save more undeveloped land elsewhere. This also contributes to Espoo’s overall sustainability objective.
Was there any other feedback to the city?
The residents raised concerns about whether the views of residents are taken into account in the preparation of the plan. In addition, they considered it important that these kinds of joint discussion events are held. They also felt that participation in the events was important. They were encouraged to submit their comments on the plan. The arrangements for the event were praised.
Familiarise yourself with the plan materials
The preparation materials for the Kaitaa metro centre can be found on the Kaitaa metro centre web page.
The participation and assessment scheme and the preparation material of the plan were available for public review from 14 April to 13 May 2025, during which time it was possible to submit comments on the plan. The plan will next proceed to the proposal stage, which is expected to be in late autumn 2025.
Updates on the progress of the planning work will be provided through the plan web page and the City of Espoo town plan announcements.
What else is going on in Espoo’s urban planning at the moment?
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On the website for learning more and participating in urban planning, we go into more detail about participation and planning phases and present interesting urban planning themes, such as naming, cultural environments and climate-wise urban planning.