Extensive reforms of Tapiola Kulttuuriaukio Square are progressing – construction of a new theatre building is expected to begin in autumn 2026
The plan for Tapiola Kulttuuriaukio Square has become final and the construction of the theatre and the reforms envisaged for Kulttuuriaukio Square are progressing. The plan was initially adopted by the City Council in April 2025, but the decision was appealed to the Administrative Court. The Administrative Court rejected the appeal. The project will begin with the construction of a new theatre building.
The Espoo Cultural Centre in Tapiola will be expanded with an above-ground theatre building, which will mainly be used by & Espoo Theatre. The construction of the theatre building is scheduled to begin in autumn 2026 once the contractors have been selected. The new theatre building is expected to become operational in 2029.
The extension will connect to the Cultural Centre through a gallery space. A new connection for pedestrians from Silkkiniitty to Kulttuuriaukio Square will be established through the new space, which will be accessible during the opening hours of the Cultural Centre.
Office, service and residential buildings to be built around the square
Kulttuuriaukio Square will be developed into a high-quality urban square. New office, service and residential buildings will replace the so-called bowling alley building, Marimekkotalo building and Kaupinkallio multi-storey car park around the square. The plan enables the construction of significant office and service buildings as well as some residential buildings. Six-storey and seven-storey residential buildings will be built in place of the multi-storey car park to be demolished.
“The expansion of the Cultural Centre and the reforms of Kulttuuriaukio Square will strengthen Tapiola’s cultural environment and boost the attractiveness of both Tapiola and Espoo as a whole. The result will be a vibrant and attractive urban space,” says Olli Isotalo, Deputy Mayor for Urban Environment.
Kulttuuriaukio Square will be developed into a pleasant environment with groups of trees planted in the area. The new arrangements on the square will also make it possible to organise various kinds of events there.
Parking will be relocated to Tapiola’s central parking facility. Some drop-off points for the Cultural Centre and the theatre will be built along Kaupinkalliontie.
The city is currently carrying out work related to municipal infrastructure on the square, Uimahallinpolku and Kaupinkalliontie to prepare for future land use changes in the area. Once this project is finished, the square will be temporarily paved until the new theatre building is complete.
Plan amendment protects Tapiola landmarks
Kulttuuriaukio Square is part of Tapiola’s historical city centre, which is based on the 1954 city centre plan by architect Aarne Ervi. The aim is to adapt all alterations in the area to Tapiola’s valuable cultural environment. The buildings in the area with cultural and historical value – the Cultural Centre, Central Tower, the Tapiontori business centre and the info kiosk – will be protected in the plan amendment. Meanwhile, preconditions will be created for development that safeguards the historical value of the buildings.