Ylä-Malmi Square to be completed soon based on residents’ wishes

Ylä-Malmi Square has been a popular place to spend time, although some have found it rather uninviting in places. As part of its renovation, the square has been made greener, safer and more functional.

With the renovation, a wealth of new plants have been planted in the square, the paving has been renewed and the lighting has been improved to create a more atmospheric ambience. A small play area, as well as chess and table tennis spots, have been set up in the square. In addition to this, space has been set aside in the area for market stalls and a potential café kiosk, for which an operator is being sought. Fixed bench-style sales tables have been installed in the square, which residents can use for market and car boot sales. Guidance on booking the sales tables will be issued during spring 2027.

The finishing touches to the renovation are still underway. The square is expected to be completed during November, slightly behind the original schedule.

The opening ceremony for Ylä-Malmi Square will take place on Friday 5 December in connection with the family day held at Malmitalo as part of the holiday programme. A torchlight procession, open to all, will set off from outside Malmitalo at 15.00. The Belenos Group of Arts will lead the procession to the opening ceremony at Ylä-Malmi Square, where the programme will include Christmas carols, glögg and the lighting up of the Christmas tree that the residents of Malmi have been so eagerly awaiting. The opening ceremony is open to everyone.

The renewal of the square has been based on residents’ wishes for a more pleasant and vibrant meeting place. The square has been developed previously through placemaking trials and an OmaStadi project, and the lessons learnt from these have been incorporated into the planning of the renovation.

The aim of the renovation is to strengthen the square’s role as a central meeting place and event venue in Malmi. Malmi is one of four suburban regeneration areas, alongside Malminkartano–Kannelmäki, Mellunkylä and Meri-Rastila. The aim of the suburban regeneration model is to improve the functionality, comfort and appeal of older residential areas in collaboration with residents.