The City of Helsinki has launched a competition for the sale and redevelopment of Gustaf Nyström’s Old Customs House in Katajanokka.
Photos
Antti Pulkkinen
Launched by The City of Helsinki, Finland, the goal of the competition is to find a technically and economically feasible, as well as architecturally outstanding solution, for redeveloping Gustaf Nyström’s Old Customs House (1901). The City is hoping to find a suitable new owner with the resources required to renovate and redevelop the building.
Located in Katajanokka, part of Helsinki’s south harbour, Old Customs House plays an important role in Finland’s architectural history. The two-storey structure originally comprised both cold and warm storage warehousing, a customs chamber, and the transport office’s work and customer facilities.
Part of the new city plan is to create a closer connection between Katajanokka and the Market Square, with improved pedestrian areas and greater functionality at street level. Due to its architectural, cultural and urban value, Old Customs House is protected by the plan. Preservation will be the foundation on which redevelopment and future use are based. Bidders are expected to propose a versatile concept with a suitable programme, such as business use, offices, workspaces, restaurants, meeting spaces, or cultural facilities. Added to this, the first floor – as a minimum – should accommodate public services.
Proposals that meet the selection criteria in the competition programme and the minimum requirements specified for the concept will be selected for further consideration and a price bid. For proposals that meet the criteria, bid forms will be opened for submitting an indicative bid for the plot and the building.
The deadline for tender submissions is 28 April 2023. The organiser’s aim is to announce a winner and the principles regarding the transfer of the competition area to the Urban Environment Committee in 2024. After a decision has been made, a preliminary agreement on the transfer of the plot and the sale of the building will be signed with the winner of the competition.
Click here to view and download the competition programme. For further information, please call +358 9 310 25452 or email katharina.mead@hel.fi
Source: Architecture Today