Experts condemn planned demolition of protected cardboard factory in Tampere

Experts have sharply criticised Tampere’s decision to demolish the historic Santalahti cardboard factory, calling it a major loss for the city’s industrial heritage, Yle reports.

The city plans to amend its zoning regulations to allow new residential and commercial buildings to replace the former Näsijärvi factory, which has been protected under current rules. However, recent structural assessments concluded that the building and its facade cannot be preserved.

Iida Kalakoski, a lecturer in architectural history at Tampere University, expressed frustration over the move. “It’s deeply disappointing that a city branding itself with industrial buildings is once again enabling a demolition,” she said.

Anna Lyyra-Seppänen, head of cultural environments at Pirkanmaa Regional Museum, called the development regrettable. “The original zoning aimed to preserve Tampere’s unique industrial history in the Santalahti landscape,” she noted. Current plans would have allowed new construction only if the facade and part of the structure were retained.

Neglect cited as key factor

Both experts blamed long-term neglect for the building’s deterioration. The factory has stood empty since 2017, when it was acquired by its current owners.

“Owners have a continuous responsibility for maintenance,” Lyyra-Seppänen stressed. “Leaving a property vacant while awaiting future decisions is not in line with the spirit of the law.”

Ville Rinta-Jaskari, business director at Pohjola Rakennus, the company managing the site, acknowledged some protective measures—such as boarding up windows and replacing the roof—but argued that no maintenance could have addressed structural flaws or hazardous materials. “Preservation efforts should have begun decades ago, before we took ownership,” he stated.

Industrial heritage at risk

Founded in 1893 and operational until 1989, the factory is considered a vital part of Tampere’s industrial legacy. Kalakoski urged the city to recognise the value of such sites beyond the Tammerkoski riverside area.

The demolition would also reshape the surrounding Santalahti residential district, originally designed around the historic factory setting. “Removing these buildings undermines the entire vision for the area,” Kalakoski warned.

While most of the factory faces demolition, the boiler room section will be preserved and is currently undergoing full restoration.