The City of Helsinki has launched an international competition for the redevelopment of an iconic heritage building in the Katajanokka waterfront district at the edge of the central core. Designed by the acclaimed Finnish architect, Gustaf Nyström, the Old Customs House is a 122-year-old warehouse and administrative office facility built to serve commerce in the city’s port.

The two-storey, 67,500-square-foot structure is considered an exemplar of late 19th century architecture and city officials are looking to give it new life, housing uses that will be open to the public. Potential proponents are invited to submit bids by April 28, 2023, which are to include an offer in euros for ownership of the building and a long-term land lease of the site, along with the a redevelopment and design concept.

“The solution should be technically and economically feasible and architecturally outstanding,” the request for tenders states. “The competition seeks to encourage versatile redevelopment concepts built around, for example, office and work spaces, restaurants, business premises, social spaces or art and cultural activities.”

The city expects to choose one to three bidders for a further stage of negotiations. The redevelopment is also envisioned to be a centrepiece of the central city plan, preserving and celebrating Katajanokka’s architectural heritage and fitting into a streetscape and land uses that will create stronger links to Helsinki’s Market Square.

Photo by Anttti Pulkkinen