Heka’s major renovation in communal Kontula completed – residents can look forward to good-as-new homes
The renovation project of nearly 300 apartments in Kontulankaari 11 will be completed in autumn 2024. There is a lot going on in the district of Kontula as it celebrates its 60th birthday.
Kontulankaari 11 is distinctive from afar. A balancing swimmer decorates the end of one building, and an orange is glowing in the sun on the other. The eight-storey-tall murals by the Upeart collective were preserved in the basic improvement project to be completed this autumn.
Residents can expect nearly 300 good-as-new apartments with brand-new kitchens and bathrooms, walls painted shiny and white and light-coloured laminate floors. The balconies were glazed and ventilation and heating systems were improved. Parking spaces and charging spots for electric cars, plants and toys have been added to the courtyards.
60-year-old Kontula to be reformed
Kontula, which celebrates its 60th birthday, is a hubbub of activity, because it is one of the City of Helsinki’s Urban Renewal areas. “In practice, this means specific investments in the development of the region, such as construction and the development of comfort and services,” says Special Planning Officer Eeva Mynttinen from the City of Helsinki.
The shopping centre is at the heart of Kontula. More than 80 stores operate in Finland’s largest open mall, and the number of ethnic restaurants in particular is impressive. An agreement has been reached with NCC for the renovation work of the mall originally built in 1967.
Even though the sights of urban renewal are always set in the distance, plenty will already be done this summer. A lounge area complete with outdoor furniture and events will be created in front of the youth centre, the cultivation boxes near the mall will be improved and the murals in the underpass will be repaired. The local exercise area in Kivikko will feature a parkour track, and the platform area of the metro station will be renovated.
Heka’s major undertaking on Kontulankaari will do its part in improving Kontula.
“The beautifully renovated apartments will attract new residents to the area. Heka also has excellent existing structures to foster communal spirit. They have club rooms and resident committees,” Mynttinen says.
It is all about the people
Communal spirit is one of the first things that come to mind about Kontula.
“We must cherish and strengthen it among all the reforms,” says long-time active member of the Kontula collective Lotta Staffans.
“Kontula is home to all kinds of people and we have a creative and pleasant can-do atmosphere here.”
There are enough events to take your breath away. There is the OstariFestari for the entire family, the Kontula electronic music event and the world’s largest girls’ football tournament Stadi Cup, which is backed by the local FC Kontu. Other active operators include the Vetoa ja Voimaa Mellunkylästä project, the Irakin Naisten Yhdistys association for Iraqi women, the Kontulan Martat Martha club, the Kontulan eläkeläiset association for pensioners and the Kide Foundation.
University researcher Pekka Tuominen, who has studied Kontula for a long time, gives abundant praise to his subject: “There is active urban life, a lot of events, good food, culture and nature. Kontula has all the services you need and they work, and you can travel to and from Kontula easily, ‘if you really must.’” According to Tuominen, the reputation of the district does not really match reality.
“Take a look, and you’ll be surprised.”
