Vallila primary school in Helsinki
The City of Helsinki has selected Hemsö in a public tender to acquire and refurbish Vallila Primary School, which can accommodate 350 pupils in grades 1-6. The total size of the project is approximately 3,600 square metres and Hemsö’s investment amounts to approximately EUR 15 million.
The historic school building in the centre of Helsinki was completed in 1902. Both the school building and the wing added in 1935 are in dire need of renovation. Hemsö will carry out an extensive renovation of the building, after which the city will continue to provide education in the premises and lease them for at least 20 years. Work will begin in January and will be completed by summer 2026, so that the school’s autumn term in 2026 can start in the new premises.
The refurbishment will involve modernising both indoor spaces and the building’s technical systems, with a focus on sustainability and safety. The schoolyard will be refreshed with new surfaces and play equipment. In addition, the building will be connected to geothermal heating.
Heini Jokinen, Project manager at Hemsö in Finland– For us at Hemsö, creating a learning environment where history and modern technology meet is central.
– By working closely with the City of Helsinki and the school, we ensure that the new premises both preserve the cultural value of the building and meet today’s requirements for sustainability and functionality, says Heini Jokinen.
Vallila is the City of Helsinki’s first lease agreement for a refurbishment project. The city has previously chosen lease procurements for new school construction projects, such as the Körsbärsdalen preschool in the Herttoniemi neighbourhood, which Hemsö is currently developing.
Jarmo Raveala, Head of Unit, Urban Environment Division, City of Helsinki– We will now gain valuable insights into the functioning of the rental model in the refurbishment project.
– Leasing Vallila Comprehensive School is financially advantageous for us and we also spread the risks in our property portfolio. Hemsö is a reliable and professional partner that specialises in similar projects, says Jarmo Raveala.
Photo by Teemu Viiala / Ideastructura Oy