Case Kontula: Dreams and worries for the future mall

In our experiment, we asked the entrepreneurs of Kontula Mall what the mall would look like after a successful renovation in 2030?

There are calls for both the preservation of the existing mall and a major redevelopment. Some people want a big change and others want the old one to be renovated. The size of the current mall is considered good. Some think that the existing buildings are in good condition.

Almost all respondents hoped to have their own business in a future mall. On the other hand, some respondents felt that there were too many of certain types of businesses (e.g. bars and pizzerias) and wished for a more varied offer. On the other hand, there was a concern that the future mall will have a reduced range of services.

Some also had new business ideas or needs for business expansion. The dream was that these ideas and needs could be realised in a future mall. For example, there was a dream of setting up a car wash in the parking garage of the future mall. Respondents feared that the new mall would not have suitable space for their businesses and that chain stores would operate there instead of small businesses.

Entrepreneurs are concerned about the value of the commercial premises they own. Planning has caused financial problems because commercial premises cannot be sold or have fallen in value.

In the future, they want the mall to be clean, welcoming and safe. For some, this means, for example, more trees and planting. Respondents feel that disturbances are caused by substance abuse. On the other hand, the activities of Symppis (a day centre for mental health and substance abuse clients) were seen as both a source of problems and a necessary service, with a need for a needle room in the mall.

Respondents had ideas on how the functions of the mall should be located. Some respondents had the idea that similar businesses should be concentrated in the same areas. For example, clusters of markets, hairdressers and restaurants were desired. It was hoped that carbon grills could continue to be used. Some felt that housing should be located separately, especially from restaurants, so that restaurant activity would not be a distraction. Others thought that restaurants could be located at street level in residential buildings. Fast-food restaurants were wanted near the metro station.

A couple of respondents mentioned Myllypuro (another already renewed mall in East Helsinki) as a good example of a similar development. The good things about it are the tall buildings, the services at street level and the fact that it looks nice (respondents did not assess the success of the development from a business point of view).

Missing services at the mall are the bank, which was seen as important for both the ageing population and entrepreneurs, and the Kela office (social insurance institution of Finland), as it is important for many customers. Almost everyone wanted to maintain the existing public services. The library, health services and sports facilities were also hoped to be integrated in the new mall. It was hoped that the phasing of construction would take into account the continuity of these services. In addition to the children’s square, more play areas for children were hoped for, e.g. an indoor play area.

Maintaining multiculturalism and providing services to people from different cultures should also be possible in the future mall. The mall should continue to have a place for prayer, ethnic food shops and restaurants. On the other hand, there was also concern that Kontula should not be the only place where such services are offered. Similar services should be available elsewhere.