A BRIGHT FUTURE OF SEINÄJOKI REGION IN FINLAND

Transcription

1 A BRIGHT FUTURE OF SEINÄJOKI REGION IN FINLAND

2 Brightly The Towards Future Openly Lightly With an Attitude The Seinäjoki region in FINLAND

3 SEINÄjoki Region in finland We Have the Will to Succeed. Seinäjoki region is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in Finland and it is recently titled as the most attractive city in Finland. Seinäjoki region is also the most entrepreneurial county and famous for its strong willpower. A long term vision, wise decisions and fearless spirit to dream big have made Seinäjoki, the former backwater, to rank constantly high in recent studies and to attract most domestic migration in Finland. As theyself say we have the will to succeed, to gather our strength and to act together. Seinäjoki region is the number one food-producing area in Finland. The full chain of food supply is strongly represented and the area produces food for the needs of the whole of Finland. As a strongly developing and growing business area, the new plans for shopping centres will also offer potential for international companies. Seinäjoki, the city of 200,000 inhabitants is Finland s sixth largest commercial centre and with around 8,500 businesses operating in the region. It s easy to do business in Seinäjoki region! The high quality of life, easy living, many attractive events and excellent transport links by air, road and rail have made Seinäjoki region one of the Finland s top players. Contents COMMUNICATIONS AND LOGISTICS On the National Main Line...5 SEINÄJOKI Urban Centre for the Future...11 EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Success based on Education...18 INNOVATIONS An Active Culture of Innovations...25 A CENTRE OF SHOPPING Strong Shopping Streams, Developing Specialty Trade...33 A CITY OF GARDENS A Piece of the Finnish Dream...40 WELLNESS A Full Spectrum of Wellness...49 DESIGN From Country Roots to International Fame...59 LEISURE TIME Fresh Experiences...65 S E I N Ä J O K I A L AV U S I L M A J O K I J A L A S J Ä R V I K A U H AVA K U O RTA N E K U R I K K A L A P U A

4 A T T I T U D E C H A N G E A S U C C E S S S T O R Y The province of the setting sun. Southern Ostrobothnia is withering away. Ostrobothnians can no longer manage things on their own. Cover of Helsingin Sanomat s Sunday section, October COMMUNI- This former one-horse town is now the country s leading migration destination. Seinäjoki is the most attractive city in Finland. Helsingin Sanomat, 5 September Seinäjoki proves that it s the attitude that counts. Reporter Hanna Säntti, Talouselämä magazine, 6 September Since 2005, Seinäjoki has been a hugely popular migration destination. The net migration is by far the highest in proportion to the city s population. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Timo Aro s research article: Popularity as a Migration Destination is a Strong Sign of a Region s Potential, Kuntalehti magazine, 30 November Since the Ostrobothnian self-esteem gave in and the locals understood that there is expertise in other areas as well, the results have been impressive indeed. Seinäjoki has never been as active as in recent years. Something is happening everywhere. This is based on people opening up and the unrestrained liberation. That is the most attractive thing at all, pretty dynamite. Erkki Välimäki, Director of the City Development Department of the City of Seinäjoki, in the book Kymmenen vuotta Framilla (Ten Years at Frami). CATIONS AND LOGISTICS

5 on THE NATIONAL MAIN LINE As the Seinäjoki region is located at the crossroads of five railway lines and six national routes, it is the logistical centre of Western Finland. The main railway line from Helsinki to Oulu and the Finnish national route 3 (E12) from Helsinki through Tampere to Vaasa pass through the Seinäjoki region. The railway line and national route 3 are part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN). The way national transport investments are channelled also reflects the central location of Seinäjoki. Seinäjoki s location along the national main line and the projects designed to improve these main lines will lay strong foundations for success in the region. ROVANIEMI OULU KOKKOLA KAJAANI VAASA SEINÄJOKI KUOPIO KASKINEN JYVÄSKYLÄ PORI TURKU TAMPERE MIKKELI LAHTI KOUVOLA HELSINKI 7

6 Seinäjoki s objective is to become one of the most accessible regions. The internal logistics of the region should support the functional social structure and reduce environmental nuisances. The development of the transport network is closely linked to the planning of office and business areas. Better Connections The Seinäjoki Oulu railway line overhaul project is the most important project in developing our railways in Finland. In addition to the overhaul and security improvements, there will be a double line along some sections. The goal is to speed up passenger traffic and increase the axle weight of goods traffic. The estimated cost of the entire project is approx. 800 million euros. The project will be carried out in stages: the first stage that was started in 2007 should be completed in In addition to repairs to the main railway line, the Seinäjoki Vaasa railway line will be electrified by The construction of the eastern bypass road of Seinäjoki (Itäväylä) will begin in It will reduce traffic in the centre and enable remarkable business construction projects. The eastern bypass road of Seinäjoki is part of Finnish national route 19, and it covers a stretch of road 18.5 km long from Rengonkylä at the south of Seinäjoki to Nurmo. The road section will replace the current road connection via the street network at the centre of Seinäjoki. The road section has been designed as a two-lane road equipped with a median barrier and five grade-separated interchanges. The estimated costs are 63 million euros, and the road will be opened in The Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY) of Southern Ostrobothnia is drawing up a road plan for converting the Hyllykallio Atria section into a four-lane road. The plans will be made at the same time with the plans for the eastern bypass road of Seinäjoki, since there is a strong technical and transportation link between the plans. In addition, the connection between Ilmajoki, Seinäjoki and Lapua (Finnish national route 67) will be improved. Discover the World by Plane Thanks to the regular flights, there are excellent connections to Helsinki and to Europe and the rest of the world. Direct charter flights from Seinäjoki to southern holiday destinations began in the spring of Seinäjoki Airport became an international airport in Seinäjoki can provide reliable, high-quality individual ground site services to operators, passengers and travel agencies. Since there are large unconstructed areas in the immediate vicinity of the Seinäjoki Airport, located at Rengonkylä in the municipality of Ilmajoki, the grounds can be consistently developed and constructed. There is free space even next to the airstrip. Some areas owned by the municipalities have already been sold to investors. The location of the Seinäjoki Airport is ideal logistically in terms of both the Helsinki Tampere Oulu axis and for goods transport by road, for transport companies and for the transport schedules of suppliers that provide logistical services. The location of the airport at the mouth of the eastern bypass road is also a major benefit for logistics companies. Image: Taivaallinen Yritys Oy/architectural company 2014 The Seinäjoki Airport Produces all ground site services cost-effectively, including check-in, security operations, loading and unloading. An international AFIS airport. Easily accessible to large groups Flexible and customer-oriented service Free, large parking area A lunch café with full on-licenses

7 SEINÄJOKI CITY AREA A logistic location OULU KOKKOLA KRUUNUBY Airport 19 OULU YLIVIESKA KAUHAVA 63 VAASA Harbour Airport LAPUA JYVÄSKYLÄ VIITASAARI SEINÄJOKI Fluent Logistics VAASA KURIKKA KASKINEN Harbour ILMAJOKI 67 3 E12 RENGONKYLÄ 19 TAMPERE SEINÄJOKI 18 HAAPAMÄKI 18 ALAVUS JYVÄSKYLÄ The design of the new environmentally-friendly logistics centre soon to be constructed at Seinäjoki takes into consideration both ecological aspects and intelligent solutions. The centre will be constructed next to the Itäväylä regional road, the main railway line and the Haapamäki railway line. The goal is to reduce the environmental strain and to improve energy efficiency, says Jukka Pajunen, Development Manager at the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre. The versatile needs of companies have been taken into consideration comprehensively already at the planning stage, and the region may include facilities such as food industry warehouses, frozen food stores, reserve stocks Image: Taivaallinen Yritys Oy/architectural company in exceptional circumstances, the supply of convenience goods, stores for specialty items and wholesale stores, and the transmission of energy. We also intend to develop the province s logistics centre cluster as part of the Nordic logistics network, Pajunen explains. The location of Seinäjoki s new logistics centre by the future Itäväylä road, the eastern bypass and the Seinäjoki Airport will guarantee flexible and effortless circulation even 10 for heavy goods vehicles.

8 AN URBAN CENTRE FOR THE FUTURE Seinäjoki has understood how important the attractive qualities of the city centre are for the future of the entire province. This is why Seinäjoki is striving to become a distinctive urban centre that modernizes urban development in Finland. The city aspires to an annual population growth of 1.5 percent. Sixty percent of net migration comes from outside the province. 13

9 5a 4c 1 5b 3a 5c City Centre Development The principle for developing the Seinäjoki city centre is to transform it into a colourful pedestrian city, a functional business centre and an inspiring site for events. Pleasant common spaces will be created at the city centre through a comprehensive network of parks and pocket parks. Each pocket park will have its own distinct character, thus creating a rich and varied mosaic of small parks. The image of the centre will be profiled and reinforced by creating a framework for various services, operations and events on the one hand, and through milieu construction on the other. Its themes include: The centre of Seinäjoki as a national junction and the living room of the province. The arena for the Seinäjoki Tango Festivals and other events, including its supportive and additional services. The food industry and local food. Alvar Aalto s urban architecture and the creative riverside surroundings. The development of the city centre has been determined in a structural model that illustrates the townscape objective. In the structural model, the various construction stages of the city centre include goals that are scheduled for completion by 2017, 2024 and d STRATEGIC CENTRES OF IMPORTANCE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT 5d 3b 2 1 City Centre and Urban Culture 2 The Itäväylä Road 3 Industrial and Office Areas a Roves b Southern Seinäjoki 4 Urban Housing a Niemistönmaa b Karhuvuori c Northern Törnävä Kyrkösjärvi d Southern Seinäjoki 5 Major Commercial Units (including businesses that require a lot of space) a Kauppa-Jouppi b Citymarket, Prisma, Mini-Mani c Roves d Southern Seinäjoki 6 National City Park (cf. page 18) The principle for developing the Seinäjoki city centre is to transform it into a colourful pedestrian city, a functional business centre and an inspiring site for events City of Seinäjoki/City Planning and Zoning Photo: Pirita Punkari

10 A proposal has been made to add public or social services at the Keskustori central market place. The outline proposes a market hall and/or a centre for local food at the street level and an art museum or an equivalent cultural facility on the first floor. The festival grounds will connect the Aalto Centre to the business centre. The Lakea construction company s Honkapuisto area represents a new type of planning for blocks of flats. The shape and the colour of the buildings and the balcony placement differ from the familiar design. The blocks of flats were constructed by Lakea, and the architectural plans were drawn up by the Arkkitehtitoimisto Juhani Romppainen architectural bureau. Itikanmäki will add a new silhouette and visibility to the townscape. Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Eero Lahti Oy Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Juhani Romppainen Oy Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Eero Lahti Oy A Lively Park Environment Modern Blocks of Flats terraced houses available near the city centre. Residential areas are located within a radius of seven kilometres from The look of Itikanmäki will be entirely transformed as the blocks of residential flats replace the old business proper- The market place will be renovated to give it a clearer perimeter. The market activities will be centred by the Koulukatu street on a designated area bordered by trees. The pocket park connected to the market and the impressive water theme will add to the area s cosiness. The square formed by the expansion of the Koulukatu street is a natural place for outdoor activities. The Lakeus Park festival grounds connect the Aalto Centre to the business centre. In the structural model, a construction site for the concert and congress hall has been reserved in the area between the Aalto Centre and a hotel. The hall will complement the administrative and cultural centre and harmonise the townscape. The housing construction at the Seinäjoki city centre is strongly characterised by a new type of flat planning and the consideration of environmental aspects. The environmental aspects of the Honkapuisto sites developed by the Lakea construction company are pioneering. Both the buildings and the water they use are geothermally heated. Solar heat collectors are used to heat household hot water when they produce enough power. Water is used for the waterborne floor heating and air conditioning reheating systems. Both solutions significantly reduce the electricity costs for residents. The versatility of housing construction and alternative forms of housing will be emphasised at Seinäjoki. In addition to blocks of flats, there are detached houses and the centre. Since the distances to all important locations are also short, it is easy to move around the city. Itikanmäki to be Transformed into a Cradle of Culture The northern centre of the City of Seinäjoki, Itikanmäki, will be transformed into an attractive district with urban residences, offices and cultural activities. The area already boasts Atria s new and impressive eight-floor operating centre. Another eight-floor building will be constructed next to it as its mirror image. ties, soon to be demolished. The attractive, high-quality residential area will be based on the winning entry of a competition among architects. Approx. three hundred new flats will be constructed at Itikanmäki. The goal is to transform the area into a lively urban district with blocks of residential flats, workplaces and cultural activities. The construction will take seven to ten years, says Jorma Rasinmäki, the City Manager of Seinäjoki. The area s innovative environment for creative fields, Rytmikorjaamo (cf. page 33), further embroiders the townscape. The planning and construction of the area has been realised by the Kiinteistöyhtiö Itikanmäki Oy property company and the Peab Ltd. construction company in conjunction with the City of Seinäjoki

11 18 The Lakeuden Virta Park to be Included in the National City Park Network The City of Seinäjoki has submitted an application to the Ministry of the Environment to be included in the national city park network. The national city park Lakeuden virta stretches along the Seinäjoki River and Kyrönjoki River from the south of the city at Isosaari to Kitinoja, north of Seinäjoki. That is where the vast Southern Ostrobothnian plains open up. The area is bordered by Hallilanvuori Hill to the east and by the hills of Jouppilanvuori, Kyrkösvuori and Rintalanvuori to the west. Lakeuden virta provides an exercise trail that offers unique experiences to park visitors. The stream of cultural experiences from the historical surroundings of Törnävä s Östermyra manor to the Aalto Centre and to the landscape of the plains. The network of expertise and knowledge also goes with the stream: the routes and paths connect the Frami riverside innovation concentration to the city s other expertise centres, Rytmikorjaamo, Foodwest and the hospital area. The river was critical to the birth and growth of the City of Seinäjoki, particularly with the Östermyra manor in the district of Törnävä, the area of the former iron and copper foundry and gunpowder factory. Seinäjoki s experiential exercise routes also provide singular opportunities to canoers. Photo: Anssi Orrenmaa Photo: Seinäjoen kaupunki EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND DEVELOP- MENT

12 SUCCESS BASED ON EDUCATION The success of the region is based on its versatile educational possibilities in Seinäjoki, you can also earn a doctoral degree. The multidisciplinary Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, business education programmes and comprehensive adult education possibilities will continue to support the success of the region in the future. The Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, the Vocational Adult Education Sedu and the Vocational Education Centre Sedu, the five universities of the University Consortium of Seinäjoki and the Epanet research network are in charge of research that can be effectively put into practice. Over a hundred researchers work in the numerous international research groups. The Southern Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Education and its foundations, which were established to support the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and the University Consortium of Seinäjoki, guarantees that educational possibilities will be vigorously developed. The objective is to collect a working capital of ten million euros for the Southern Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Education by Photo: Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences 21

13 UAS concentrates most of its activity in Seinäjoki at the Frami campus area. The goal is to create a functional and comfortable campus for students and staff members alike. The business school facilities will be completed by the 2013 winter term. The Frami area will then be home to more than 2,000 students at the University of Applied Sciences, including more than 300 foreign students. Passion for Profession at Sedu The joint objective of the Vocational Adult Education Sedu and the Vocational Education Centre Sedu (= Sedu) is to create attraction power. Sedu develops professional and business life by promoting the availability and entrepreneurship of qualified human resources. Sedu is a noteworthy national educational institution and an international operator characterised by active networking. Every year, it provides an attractive place of study for several thousands of students and qualifies valued professionals. The activities are developed to meet current challenges. As a strong regional institution, it is a desirable workplace that emphasises the promotion of welfare. Vocational Adult Education Sedu Approx. 7,730 students per year, approx. 630 of which obtain a degree. Approx. 150 members of teachers and other staff. The Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences Aims for the Top Seinäjoki UAS (SeAMK) is a successful, international and entrepreneurial university of applied sciences. Our operation mode is based on anticipating and analysing our operating environment. We promote internationalisation in the region and actively participate in the development of the innovation system, says Tapio Varmola, President of the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences. The Seinäjoki UAS s key strategic include: food industry and the promotion of welfare intelligent and energy-saving systems for industry and construction cultural and experience production innovative public services Entrepreneurship and business competence are the profile areas that unite these fields. Seinäjoki UAS carries out applied research, development and innovation activities (RDI) that are centred on selected strategic areas. It is an important national and international operator, with approx. 20 international projects yearly underway. Seinäjoki UAS organises annual national and international conferences. Seinäjoki UAS 22 educational Bachelor-level programmes, two of them in English. A Master-level degree can be obtained in seven programmes. One of them is in English. Approx. 4,800 degree students, including approx. 800 adult students. The annual number of foreign students is approx. 500 by There are approx. 400 employees. UAS has 200 foreign partner institutions of higher education in 44 countries. In cooperation with foreign institutions of higher education, it is possible to obtain double degrees in various fields. Half of students at UAS spend a period of time studying abroad every year. The research, development and innovation activities amount to approx. five million euros every year, with approx. a hundred ongoing projects. The school includes the following departments: Welfare, Agriculture and Forestry, Service, Technology, Business and Culture, Apprenticeship Training, Business Services and Projects. Vocational Education Centre Sedu The school offers vocational upper secondary education to young people. The school in 14 study locations provide training for nearly 40 different professions. The study community consists of approx. 4,400 students and more than 500 professionals. The Finnish Institute for Enterprice Management The Finnish Institute for Enterprice Management (Suomen Yrittäjäopisto) has developed into a nationally recognised concentration of entrepreneurial expertise that operates in close cooperation with entrepreneurs. Training Air Wing at Kauhava The position of the Training Air Wing has been reinforced as one of central operators in Finnish military aviation and as a national educational institution. The Training Air Wing also provides international pilot training. Photo: Vocational Adult Education Sedu >> Air Force

14 The University Consortium of Seinäjoki Prepares Students for the Future The University Consortium of Seinäjoki scientifically studies and develops the key sectors of Southern Ostrobothnian business life and provides adult education in these fields. The emphasis is on academically and socially applicable multidisciplinary research. The University Consortium is a The University Consortium of Seinäjoki The modern university cooperation organisation operates at the Seinäjoki campus area. The centre has long-term partners in various parts of Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland and the rest of Europe. The centre employs visiting international researchers. There are more than a hundred employees. There are approx. 4,500 students. The member universities of the University Consortium include the University of Helsinki, Sibelius Academy, the University of Tampere, the Tampere University of Technology and the University of Vaasa. UNIVERSITY OF VAASA THE UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM OF SEINÄJOKI THE UNIVERSITY OF TURKU THE TAMPERE UNIVERSITY ON TECHNOLOGY THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPERE forerunner in cooperation with companies and development organisations. This is how the University Consortium carries out the socially interactive mission of universities. The core research of the University Consortium consists of Epanet research professorships located in five universities. The University Association of South Ostrobothnia, formed by municipalities and various departments at institutions of higher education, assists the university consortium of Seinäjoki in the division and coordination of these professorships. The research and educational activities have been divided in four groups: product processes and production systems, foodstuffs and welfare, business expertise, and regions and culture. Three to six research professors, senior researchers and a significant number of graduate students work in each of these groups. There are a total of twenty professorships. South Ostrobothnian Higher Education Consortium The University Consortium of Seinäjoki and the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences are developed together as South Ostrobothnian Consortium of Higher Learning. Within the consortium, an increasingly large group of experts will deal with the key specialities. It can serve the companies in the region and also accept responsibility for overseeing international cooperation projects. The consortium also has a foundation for institutions of higher education that helps reinforce the financial foundations of its activities. INNO VATIons 24 THE UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI SIBELIUS ACADEMY

15 In the 21st century, an active concentration of companies, educational, research and development organisations has been constructed in the Frami area. AN ACTIVE CULTURE OF INNOVATIONS Image: Arto Halttunen The business and science park linked to the Seinäjoki City centre has transformed the culture of promising fields into the culture of innovations and into the lively buzz of companies and the scientific community. The core of the business and science park is the technology and innovation centre Frami. In four construction stages, it has been expanded into an area of expertise with 36,000 square metres per floor. In future years, several extensions will be added to the centre. The green and urban innovation setting of the Frami area is reinforced by the Itikanmäki district located downstream. In addition to the Atria Ltd. head office, Foodwest Ltd. the Centre of Expertise in Food Development (cf. page 52) and the creative economy centre Rytmikorjaamo will be constructed there. The expertise of the business and science park will also be reinforced by the hospital hill healthcare units which focus on healing and promoting the welfare of the human body (cf. page 57). 27

16 The Frami area will expand both northward and southward. Institutions of higher education and companies will have more space at their disposal. Student apartments are also planned in the district. Image: Seinäjoen kaupunki Frami G, the next Frami area business building, will be constructed next to the Frami D section. The surface area will be 10,000 square metres per floor. Image: Lassila & Hirvilammi Architects Ltd. Frami will offer expert-level jobs in both companies and research as well as in educational and development organisations. Technology and business service companies may benefit from the educational and research services provided by the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences and the Seinäjoki university departments while recruiting new professionals in the neighbouring areas. More Space The Seinäjoki Centre for Technology and Innovation, renamed Frami Ltd., will continue to develop innovative settings over the next decade by constructing modern, convertible facilities for companies and by providing versatile development services. It is our objective to develop the entire Seinäjoki region, particularly by strengthening existing companies and adding openings at these companies, CEO Hannu Kantonen says. Investments in the construction of a physical innovation environment will continue during the next few years. We have many letters of the alphabet left, Kantonen jokes, referring to the naming practice of the various Frami sections. In addition to the buildings of the Technology and Innovation Centre Frami, the Frami area is preparing for the construction of facilities for companies (e.g. Epec Ltd.). In the Frami area, parking spaces will also be added at two new car parks. The goal is to provide a total of 2,000 new parking spaces by The Frami river bank by river Seinäjoki will be transformed into a comfortable park that can be used as a setting for various events. Frami in ,000 square metres per floor for companies and educational and development organisations 60 companies 700 employees 1,500 (Seinäjoki UAS) students The Frami F section will be constructed for the business unit of the Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences by the 2013 winter term. It will cover 8,600 square metres per floor. The expanding Frami campus area will then cater to more than 2,000 students attending the University of Applied Sciences

17 The Frami G building (on the right) whose construction is planned at a later date will be connected with the current Frami D building by a spacious inner court. Image: Valvomo Architects The Rytmikorjaamo courtyard will be designed as festival grounds that can offer a setting for various public events from skateboard competitions to rock concerts for up to 4,000 spectators. Various plans for the courtyard have been drafted together with young people. This plan is called Rhythm Park. Image: Lassila & Hirvilammi Architects Ltd. The Rytmikorjaamo hall has been dimensioned for large concerts and events. Rytmikorjaamo From an Oil Pit to a Rhythm Music Headquarters The field of rhythm music is one of the strategical centres of development in the City of Seinäjoki. At Seinäjoki, Rytmikorjaamo is the centre of rhythm music. During 2011, the former post vehicle depot with an oil pit will be transformed into impressive business premises for rhythm music and operators in the creative fields. In addition to the premises, Rytmikorjaamo can be used as a swinging setting for events, education, research and networking. The idea for the future is that the area will grow into a nerve centre of creative operators. Rytmikorjaamo has space for creative ideas! Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Ark-Kantonen Oy

18 2011 During the renovations, additions include 25 offices for companies in the creative fields, business premises, a large hall for common use, a café and negotiating facilities. Image: Sisustusarkkitehdit Gullstén-Inkinen A CENTRE OF SHOPPING 32

19 STRONG SHOPPING Streams, DEVELOPING SPECIALITY TRADE The Seinäjoki City centre is a growing trade area. New commercial centres are constructed or planned at various parts of the city, and there are also projects to expand existing sites. Visitors and local residents from across the region can take their pick. 35 Photo: Mikko Lehtimäki

20 Strong Retail Trade Seinäjoki has established its position as an attractive shopping destination. Statistically, Seinäjoki is Finland s sixth largest market area after Finland s largest, oldest and most powerful cities. The volume of Seinäjoki s retail trade is 703 million euros. The high shopping figures indicate that large flows of customers travel to the city daily from the rest of the province. The immediate trade area has a total of 200,000 inhabitants, but approx. 900,000 people live within a two-hour drive. At Seinäjoki, the increasing trade is based not only on a growing population but also on the fact that there is a powerful consumer base around the city. This is why we benefit from considerable purchasing power and the natural preconditions for developing speciality trade. When we also believe that Seinäjoki is an extremely strong centre for car sales, which further emphasises the importance of trade, explains Juha Luukko, Director at the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre. The trade volumes also increase in connection with large annual events such as the Provinssirock music festival, the Seinäjoki Tango Festival and the Seinäjoen Vauhtiajot race and rock festival. Visitors to these events also shop extensively while in the city. At Seinäjoki, trade has excellent prospects for the future. This is reflected by new shopping centres, constructed both in the city centre and in the nearby service areas. Many speciality shops and other diverse options like ethnic restaurants expand on the range Shopping Stream Spreading at the Lapua Ideapark A new Ideapark shopping centre will be constructed near the Lapua city centre at the junction of national routes 16 and 19, near Finnish national route 66. The location has good transport connections. Thanks to Ideapark, Lapua will boast one of Ostrobothnia s largest commercial centres. The goal is to construct a versatile centre for clothing shops and leisure trade, complete with cafés and restaurants. The shopping centre will be built by construction company Skanska. Negotiations to rent the shopping centre premises are underway. The centre s hypermarket operator will be K-citymarket. The involvement of Masku and Ideapark is excellent, and it adds to the attraction of the project, says Raimo Virtanen, Result Unit Manager at Skanska. The intended surface area of the commercial centre is approx. 53,000 square metres per floor, and it will house more than a hundred shops. The complex will also include a central square with sufficient space and opportunities to organise diverse events. The area will probably also include a transport station in a separate building. With its different sections, the Ideapark has been carefully planned from the be- good in practice as well. The location near the services at the Lapua city centre and the good transport connections are perfectly suited to our concept. Until now, the region has also lacked a commercial centre with versatile services, says Toivo Sukari from Masku Kiinteistö. The large business district project will lay the foundations for new business activities. It will also create approx. four to five hundred commercial sector jobs. After the construction of the Lapua Cartridge Factory, the Ideapark is the largest individual business investment ever constructed at Lapua. Thanks to this, the city s population and construction projects will continue to increase and offer new opportunities to various investors, of services provided. ginning, and the concept has been proven explains Jouko Vuolle, Industry and Trade Investments in the development and high-quality design Manager at the City of Lapua. of business centres have also been made at municipalities Alavus, Kauhava and Kurikka. The purpose of the modern design of operating environments is to offer more functional and up-to-date business premises and areas. Success Factors in Trade at Seinäjoki Finland s sixth largest market area in Finland. Impressive numbers of Ostrobothnian trade. 360 degrees of market areas surrounding the city. Customers arriving from a radius of approx. 200 km. One of the largest motor vehicle sales locations in Finland. Event tourism expertise. A solid logistical location: at the junction of six main roads and five railway lines a growing and developing airport less than a four-hour drive to Oulu and the Helsinki area Photo: Skanska

21 South Ostrobothnia s Regional Cooperative Eepee The South Ostrobothnia s Regional Cooperative Eepee is a multisectoral regional retail trade company with more than 64,000 customer owners. Its branches of activity include supermarket trade, The Lakeuden Ankkuri Shopping Centre The mega shopping centre Lakeuden Ankkuri will be constructed near the Seinäjoki city centre at the Kauppa-Jouppi site. The future trade concentration will satisfy increasing consumer demand by providing new and modern facilities. It also seeks to attract international operators. The region s largest shopping centre is one of Finland s The AVENAS Shopping Centre leading trade areas, thus requiring a lot of room and designed from top to bottom. The commercial business premises to be constructed on a 30-hectare site will cover more than 100,000 square metres per floor. The area will benefit from a new transport station and a parking lot for more than 2,500 vehicles. Facilities that require a lot of room Image: Helin & Co Architects transport shop activities, liquid fuel trade, tourism and nutrition, agricultural and hardware trade, and vehicle and automobile equipment trade. In Southern Ostrobothnia, Eepee has eighty branch offices with more than 1,200 local employees. With the total investment of 95 million euros during the past five years, it is also one of the leading constructors in its business area. Eepee will continue the solid development of its service network in the next few years. Between 2010 and 2011, we will invest a total of approx. 30 million euros. The capacity for long-term activities is an integral part of our cooperative principles and our large ownership structure. According to our founding principles, we produce benefits and services for our customer owners while consolidating our business territory, says CEO Kimmo Simberg. In addition, Eepee develops its native province in close cooperation with the province s educational institutions. It is actively involved in the South Ostrobothnian University Network Epanet where it particularly supports the professorships for consumer behaviour and food safety. Eepee s largest supermarket establishment, Prisma Hyllykallio, is undergoing large-scale renovations. With the expansion, it will boast an additional 9,000 square metres. Roughly half of this will be directly used as shop areas and restaurants visited by customers. This expansion will make it one of Finland s largest Prisma supermarkets. Photo: Juha Harju Third stage: Commercial corridor There is a vivid interest in the AVENAS shopping centre. business building. During the third stage, the actual shopping The Peab Ltd. construction company was in charge of We have discussed the development plans for the region centre will be constructed between the K-citymarket and the the most recent, roughly one-hectare K-citymarket for the and the companies willingness to settle there with several Tokmanni building. All commercial facilities will be intercon- AVENAS shopping centre in the Päivölä area in Seinäjoki. companies, explains Mika Katajisto, Regional Manager nected by means of a commercial corridor. The property, measuring over 11,000 square metres, also houses a considerable number of other shops. The building permit allows the business construction of 60,000 square metres per floor at an over nine-hectare site located at the centre of the City of Seinäjoki. Image: Peab Ltd. at Peab Ltd. The size of the Päivölä area also attracts companies that do not currently operate in the Seinäjoki economical area. The second stage in the construction of the AVENAS shopping centre began in March 2011 with the Tokmanni We will turn the AVENAS centre into an attractive commercial area. In addition to the shopping centre premises, commercial facilities that require a lot of room can also be constructed in the area, says Heikki Levo, manager of property business at Peab Ltd. Photo: Juha Harju 38 39

22 Image: City of Alavus/Sakari Tanttari A CITY OF Alavus Service Concentration GARDENS In the City of Alavus, the city centre is being intensively developed. There is a new significant service concentration at the junction of national route 18 and Finnish national route 66. The SOK Group and companies based at Alavus have constructed plenty of business premises and will continue to do so. More business premises will also be planned for the area. Over the next two or three years, we will probably have new premises that cover from 15,000 to 18,000 square metres per floor, estimates Pekka Ala-Mäenpää, the City Manager of Alavus. The KESKO Group has also made investments in the Alavus city centre in recent years, and a national furniture chain has opened a large branch there. Furthermore, new blocks of flats have been constructed at the town centre to allow people to live at the city centre while having a home by a lake. They too have contributed to livening up the centre, Ala-Mäenpää explains cheerfully. 40

23 A PIECE OF THE FINNISH DREAM A detached house by a lake. In the immediate proximity of the city centre. Near services. This is what the beautiful Seinäjoki region has to offer.

24 Image: Lassila Hirvilammi arkkitehdit Oy A City of Gardens in the 21st Century The entire region will be transformed into a cosy, new type of Finnish garden city of the 21st century. The city centre of Seinäjoki is brimming with a modern urban atmosphere. The city centre is surrounded with satellite service centres, creative operating environments and attractive residential areas. Transport and urban planning will leave clear green spaces for field and forest patches between the areas. These patches not only create a spacious living environment but also allow for modern local food and foodstuff production. Other attractive and dynamic city centres are located at an approx. 30-minute drive from the city centre at Lapua, Kurikka, Kauhava and Alavus. An active and lively village atmosphere can be found in the municipalities of Ilmajoki and Jalasjärvi. The region also includes plenty of original residential areas. The strong community spirit and neighbourly inclusion add to their vitality. Peace and Pulsations The Seinäjoki city centre is being revived and modernised according to plans. At the Seinäjoki region, you can choose from a large selection of quality housing alternatives: modern life in an apartment in the middle of the pulsating city with services nearby, in a cosy residential area with detached houses, in a terraced house by the river, in a village community that has plenty of experiences to offer, or on a property of your own in the fresh, natural and idyllic countryside. The region with 140,000 inhabitants has plenty of alternative living spaces to allow for locally produced food and a clean environment. Thanks to the municipalities surrounding Seinäjoki and its location as a provincial centre, the area can develop into a satellite-type garden city. There is a solid framework for modern food production between the smallest city and municipal centres, and on the other hand, residential areas are condensed into population centres, explains Erkki Välimäki, Director of the City Development Department of the City of Seinäjoki. As for the provincial centre of Seinäjoki, it locates all metropolitan-type services nearby. The city boasts versatile hobby and shopping opportunities, top-notch healthcare services, a rapidly developing café and restaurant culture and an active cultural calendar. The Seinäjoki City centre is quickly expanding and becoming increasingly modern. The area s smallest city centres are also eagerly developing their operating environment. There, the attraction and comfort are increased by designing functional high-quality entities that take today s needs into consideration. All municipal centres of the region also provide versatile everyday services and a comfortable living environment. Large numbers of viable villages in the area enrich the housing possibilities and offer more alternatives to those still looking for a home of their own

25 Renewable Energy Technology at Lapua The increasing use of renewable energy and the increase of self-sufficiency in energy are central goals in the region and across the entire province. At Lapua, the development organisation for energy matters is Thermopolis Ltd. Thermopolis has networked not only with several international partners but also with expertise centres participating in the Finnish energy technology cluster programme, research and educational institutions, companies and associations that operate in the field. In the renewable energy sector, Thermopolis specialises particularly in heat pumps, bioenergy, solar energy and wind power. The many companies operating in the area manufacture power plant boilers and other types of boilers for several purposes, mobile heating containers, geothermal heat systems and wind power components. The combined production of heat and power is a field of the future. In a combined heat and power plant, the efficiency is approx. 75 percent, though it falls to approx. 52 percent if only heat or power is produced. The province has developed plants for the small-scale combined production of heat and power (CHP), and this development will continue in the future. These plants may be used by large farms and companies that require plenty of heat and power. A plan for the Alanurmo residential area at Lapua. Energy-Efficient Construction Solutions A residential area with energy solutions developed in conjunction with the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland will be constructed at Lapua. Energy-efficient construction solutions will be used for the buildings in the Alanurmo area, and some of the buildings will be used as a pilot project for the use of renewable forms of energy. A regional heating plant using Finnish wood will also settle in the area, and a new school to be constructed at Lapua will be used as a site for the introduction and use of renewable energy sources Imag: Pöyry

26 Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Mikko Heikkilä Oy High-Quality Local Services at Kauhava In the region, Kauhava has established its position as the developing northern rural centre for commerce and services. The widespread rural town of less than 20,000 inhabitants offers several housing alternatives and leisure opportunities. The development of the business centre and the educational and cultural environment of the Finnish Institute for Entrepreneurs will make the city centre increasingly attractive. The Seinäjoki Lapua Kauhava development corridor along national route 19 will bring new corporate investments to the area. The Kurikka Business Centre Revival The city of Kurikka has a population of 15,000 and is located just a half-hour drive southwest from the centre of Seinäjoki. In addition to the comfortable and affordable living environment, it will become increasingly attractive thanks to the ongoing revival of its profile. The city centre will become a modern and cosy business centre that also offers more city-like housing solutions. In addition, the city is planning new attractive residential area for detached houses. The construction of the area and settling there has been designed to make it as effortless as possible. Image: Suunnittelu J. Rajala Oy WELL- NESS A New Garden Village at Kuortane 48 Image: Suunnittelutoimisto Motiivi Oy A new type of leisure accommodation area with allotment style gardens is planned for the Kuortane municipality. There will be 70 allotments of 500 square metres. The area s cabins are slightly larger than traditional allotment garden cabins. Each cabin will have a washroom and a sauna. During regional planning, plans were drafted for two different sizes of typical cabins that can be used as a basis for the building permit in determining construction materials, surface areas and roof tilts. The allotments have aroused plenty of interest: fifty reservations have already been made. In addition to inhabitants of the province, people living in the Greater Helsinki area and in Western Finland have also reserved their lot.

27 A FULL SPECTRUM OF WELLNESS In Southern Ostrobothnia, wellness is a comprehensive concept. The Seinäjoki region aspires to create a centre of wellness. The food, exercise, healthcare and cultural sector will each make an important contribution to it, along with all educational, research and development operators in the wellness sector

28 Traditional Cheese Production Ruokatalo Brings the Experts Together Photo: Juustoportti Ltd. The dairy company Juustoportti from Jalasjärvi has become Finland s largest producer of bread cheese and mozzarella. The objective of Juustoportti is to always improve on both company decisions and products. The recipe for Juustoportti s success consists of delicious products, personnel expertise and the high-quality milk used in the production. The first architectural and space utilisation plans have already been drafted for the 9,000-square-metre Ruokatalo, unique in Finland. The goal is to provide food sector education, research, product development, analysis and consultation services. The seven-floor building is scheduled to open in summer The estimated costs are slightly more than ten million euros. The complex planned will attract more foodstuff companies and research institutes from Finland and abroad and increasingly reinforce Southern Ostrobothnia s position as a province specialising in foodstuffs. Clean Food In Southern Ostrobothnia, authentic Finnish food is produced in much larger quantities than needed in the region. The region will be further reinforced as Finland s most highly-developed food production area, allowing for profitable economic activity with family farms, the use of bioenergy and a clean environment. The province provides a sustainable chain from the field to the dinner table. The foodstuffs cluster includes the primary production, the food industry and its subcontracting network, machine and device manufacturers, logistics, training programmes and the service sector. The Southern Ostrobothnian food sector expertise is strengthened by combining it with operators that support comprehensive wellness. The province is promoted as a nationally and internationally renowned, healthy food province. The Food Province (Ruokaprovinssi) project combines the experience and research-based information of the food, exercise and wellness sectors, cultural entities, associations and experts. The various operators are invited to participate in the innovation forum InnoAreena. InnoAreena deals with new trends, operational models and the latest research results critical to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. New ideas will be turned into innovations that benefit to the companies activities. The purpose of the project is to create dozens of new innovations and companies and new sub-contracting activities. The project is governed by the Seinäjoki Region Business Service Centre. Foodwest Ltd. Established in 1995 A stable, independent and reliable company of food development experts. A national Centre of Expertise in Food Development designated by the Finnish Government. The coordinator of Centres of Expertise in Food Development in Finland. Core expertise: product development, market research, quality control and technical services Image: Arkkitehtitoimisto Sipinen Oy