Effective communication crucial for Helsinki Court of Appeal

Hemsö’s largest property in Finland, the Helsinki Court House with a total rental area of nearly 50,000 square metres, has undergone extensive refurbishment in recent years. The building, which Hemsö has owned since 2019, houses many tenants who are directly or indirectly linked to the justice system. The largest tenant is the Finnish State. 

One of the biggest tenants, the Helsinki Court of Appeal, has enjoyed the seaside surroundings for almost 15 years, and both location and function are important for its operations. The condition of the building is crucial for creating a safe and healthy work environment, but also for meeting daily needs. 

The property was completed in 1940 and is a listed building. Major improvements were made in the 2020s, especially in ventilation and energy efficiency. The interior has also been adapted to meet new needs, such as more staff.  

“Despite the extensive refurbishment, work proceeded smoothly, and the staff are satisfied with the results. Everything that our premises needed was completed,” says Hanna Nikkilä. 

Communication – the key to success

What was crucial for a successful process? According to Hanna Nikkilä, the key was clear refurbishment plans, step-by-step implementation of both the refurbishment and temporary evacuation, well-planned interim solutions and effective communication.  

“Hemsö consistently ensured continuity for our operations and our hearings. Most of the refurbishment was carried out during holiday periods, and the disruptive work was planned for mornings, evenings or weekends,” says Hanna Nikkilä.  

Communication was key. The staff are happy and, according to Hanna Nikkilä, this is largely because they were continuously informed about what was happening and why, which created understanding. 

“Hemsö’s experts provided regular information about upcoming plans, temporary arrangements and the results of various studies and reports. Staff members felt reassured by the information,” says Hanna Nikkilä. 

After the refurbishment, Hemsö has participated in the Court of Appeal’s indoor air working group and the well-received information sessions the group organizes for the court staff a couple of times a year. Hemsö has also organized property-wide house meetings four times a year.

Long-term collaboration and good partnerships  

Hanna Nikkilä also praises Hemsö’s partners.  

“The refurbishment team remained largely unchanged throughout the project and became almost like colleagues. We received regular updates on the progress of the project, which was very appreciated,” says Hanna Nikkilä. 

Questions and comments from Court of Appeal staff members were always taken seriously and addressed quickly. 

“To summarize, our collaboration worked really well. Hemsö is a reliable, fast and proactive partner. They have competent people who take their work seriously, do their best and put people’s health first, not just the financial aspect. I really appreciate the fact that communication worked so smoothly,” says Hanna Nikkilä.