Renovation and expansion to Pitäjänmäki multi-purpose building

The old main building has not previously undergone large-scale renovations. Its facades will be repaired during the renovation planned, and the building services of the entire school will be updated.

The building is architecturally valuable, and the appearance of its facade, the main indoor staircase and the lobbies will be maintained to the extent possible. Otherwise, the old premises and structures will be updated to meet the modern demands of education. All classes will continue to have their own class rooms.

Expansion to be replaced with two new buildings

The expansion part, completed in 1991, will be replaced with two new buildings, as modifying the original building to suit the new purposes has proven difficult. The expansion houses not only school premises, but also a library, a Youth Centre and a sports hall.

The indoor and outdoor premises will be designed with people with hearing impairments in mind, and people with hypersensitivities will also be considered where possible. The facilities can also be used in the evening.

The personnel and the learners will be included in designing the school and daycare yards and furniture. The observations and requests by the current multi-purpose building’s employees have also been considered in the project planning.

To be completed in summer 2029

Based on current estimates, the demolition work will start in June 2026, which would allow for the construction to start in autumn 2026. The project should be completed in early summer 2029. The schedule will be specified when an implementer is selected for the project.

The whole plot will be fenced off from outsiders for the duration of the work. The sports field next to the building and its locker rooms will continue to serve the users as normal. The sports field’s parking spaces may need to be reduced due to the worksite.

Operations moved to temporary facilities for the duration of the works

The updated building will have facilities for the total of 680 pupils of Pitäjänmäki Comprehensive School and Albert School, as well as the 224 children of Pitäjänmäki daycare centre. The Pitäjänmäki Library and Youth Centre will also continue their operations in the premises.

The comprehensive school, daycare centre, library and youth services will move to the temporary facilities for the duration of the renovation after the spring term of 2026, at the latest. The options for temporary facilities are currently being reviewed. The library will offer at least reserving, loaning and returning services in the Pitäjänmäki–Konala area during the renovation.

The project plan will be reviewed by the Helsinki City Board on 5 May. Next, the plan will require the approval of the City Council to proceed to the implementation stage.

The project’s cost estimate is EUR 64,600,000, at the cost level of November 2024.