JULY - AUGUST 20259 ENVIRONMENTAL BUSINESS REVIEWWhat is the secret of a good city? A good city is ecologically, socially and economically sustainableThese significant investments will have a positive effect on the competitiveness of the entire metropolitan area. The rail transport hubs created through the projects are attracting increasing interest in the property market. Helsinki offers excellent opportunities in both the commercial and residential property markets in locations where accessibility is improving.New Urban Districts A transformation that began over 20 years ago in Helsinki is well underway. The city decided to relocate the freight ports from near the centre to Vuosaari in the eastern part of Helsinki. This also gave Helsinki a good opportunity to turn the old port areas into new urban districts. This transformation has come a long way. Significant progress has already been made in the construction of Länsisatama and Kalasatama, districts right on the outskirts of the city centre with a total of about 40,000 residents. Additionally, the district of Kruunuvuorenranta is being built along a future light rail line in Laajasalo, eastern Helsinki. These are all densely built maritime districts that provide excellent recreational opportunities. Architectural GemsHelsinki is known as a magnificent city of architecture. That is an aspect that we want to maintain. But excellence is more than mere infrastructure and pleasant neighbourhoods. A city must also possess something unique, something that transcends everyday life. Helsinki has that something.Helsinki is known for its railway station ­ designed by Eliel Saarinen and often regarded as the world's finest ­ the city's beautiful Art Nouveau architecture, not to mention its impressive examples of modernist architecture and several buildings designed by Alvar Aalto. Furthermore, in recent years, we have also created exceptionally fine new buildings, such as the central library, Oodi. Moreover, a new Museum of Architecture and Design is being planned for Helsinki, right at heart of the city in the South Harbour. Developing City Organization The conditions for Helsinki's success story have been substantially enhanced by a major organisational reform carried out by the city in 2017. Now, all of the city's pivotal functions affecting its development are under the same roof as part of Helsinki's Urban Environment Division. By existing within the same organisation, we are able to manage urban planning, transport planning, park and green area planning, public infrastructure construction, public space maintenance and the city's own housing production. The fact that the city has a division comprehensively responsible for the physical environment has proven to be effective solution, and a strong convergence between different functions has been formed as a result.
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