Koli spa owner plans multimillion-euro renovation and expansion

The owner of the Kolin Lotus spa in Lieksa plans to expand and renovate the facility, which has been closed since 2017, Yle reports. The proposed expansion would cost an estimated 4.5 million to 5.5 million euros, but its financing and schedule have not been decided.

The company filed an application for a building permit with the city of Lieksa in September. It wants to add about 1,100 square metres to the spa and update or, where necessary, carry out major repairs to its facilities and technical systems.

The plans include a two-storey wing with 19 hotel rooms: 17 standard rooms of 21 square metres each and two larger, better-equipped rooms. A restaurant is also planned, with seating for about 60 people indoors, 40 on a terrace and 20 at a bar.

Company owner and chief executive Georg Jaruta told Yle by email that financing is still being worked on and that the company must first obtain a building permit. The project’s timetable is also open. Jaruta said the building’s heating has remained on while it has been unused.

The spa, near the village of Koli, was built with Russian financing and operated for less than two years after it was completed. Earlier plans to expand it and build a separate hotel nearby did not go ahead; the building permit expired two years ago after an extension.

Lieksa’s chief building inspector, Jorma Sarkkinen, said the existing building needs substantial renovation and expressed doubt that the plans would be carried out. According to the city’s building control department, bringing the spa back into use could involve technical problems, including the condition of its load-bearing structures and pool equipment.

The building also has no active water contract or connection to the city’s water and sewer network. The connection currently costs just under 30,000 euros. The annual basic charge is more than 9,000 euros, based on the building’s floor area, with water bills charged separately according to use.