A lot of discussion on the development of Matasaari in the residents’ event
On 28 September 2026, the City Planning Department organised a presentation of the amendment to the local detailed plan and a planning walk in Matasaari. More than 30 people attended the event. During the planning walk, the participants were able to discuss the participation and assessment plan and the preparatory material for the amendment to the local detailed plan with the planners and to share their thoughts on the plans. The purpose of the amendment to the detailed plan is to make it possible to establish holiday homes as well as tourism, accommodation and recreational activities and the buildings serving them on the island of Matasaari. The buildings currently located on the island are protected. The aim of the amendment to the detailed plan is also to adapt the activities and buildings to the historical yard and the regionally valuable cultural environment.
Construction, nature and transport were the most debated issues
The construction and the intended use of the area presented in the preliminary reference plan were among the key topics of discussion. The participants were interested in and concerned about the locations, heights and sizes of the planned buildings. The visibility of the buildings in the environment and the planned piers was also a cause for concern and provoked discussion. The change in the intended purpose and the increasing number of people caused concerns that the peacefulness of the environment would suffer. The participants said they sometimes heard disturbing music from the area.
Another major topic discussed was the impacts on nature and the cultural environment in the area. The residents hoped that the shores of the island would not be built and would remain as natural as possible. The renovation and use of the old valuable buildings were regarded as important. The participants also considered it important to preserve the trees on the shore and the forest-like appearance of the area. Construction should also be reconciled with the natural environment of the area. The impacts of the growing number of visitors on the surrounding nature and the marine environment were also debated.
There was also discussion about the increasing traffic. The sufficiency of parking spaces concerned people. Questions were raised about the suitability of Matasaarentie for the growing volume of traffic and about the safety of the road when traffic increases.
The transports during the construction phase were also discussed. The issues that came up included the load-bearing capacity of the road, its susceptibility for flooding, the possible need to widen the road, and the costs. In the same context, the impacts of the road changes on the surrounding nature and the nature trail crossing the road were debated.
During the event, the participants often asked who the project was for. They mainly welcomed services that would be open to everyone. The participants were concerned about and had questions about the following issues: the realisation of transparency in practice, the future operator of the project, financing and the activities in the long term.
It was considered desirable and positive that services open to everyone would be placed on the island and that the old valuable buildings would be renovated for use.
What was the atmosphere like at the event?
The atmosphere of the event was interested, inquisitive and critical, but also conversational.
Were there any messages to the city?
Residents found it good that the future local detailed plan would guide construction and the preservation of the environment in the area in great detail. The opportunity given to residents to talk to the representatives of the project was also praised. Organising the residents’ event and the planning walk was considered good, and there was positive feedback on the arrangements and the implementation of the event.
What happens next?
The aim is to submit the amendment proposal to the detailed plan to the City Planning Committee for review in autumn 2027 at the earliest. Information on the progress of the master plan process will be provided on the plan’s website and in the City of Espoo’s planning announcements.
What else is currently happening in Espoo city planning?
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