Kuopio bids to host housing fair near city centre

Kuopio plans to bid to host a housing fair in Savilahti in the early 2030s, Yle reported. The city’s executive board decided on Monday to submit an application for an event between 2031 and 2034.

Two locations near the Old Depot area in Savilahti are being considered as the fair’s main site: Neulamäenrinne and Marikonranta.

Neulamäenrinne is an area planned for infill development in the Neulamäki district, which was built in the 1980s. The city is currently preparing a detailed plan for the area. Planning for Marikonranta, an undeveloped stretch of shore on Neulalahti, is due to begin next year with an architecture competition.

The city hopes the fair will accelerate development in Savilahti and showcase how existing urban areas can be renewed sustainably. The potential venue is a few kilometres from the city centre, near an educational campus and the Novapolis office area. Savilahti combines housing, work, education, services and nature, and is home to educational institutions at three levels and nearly 300 companies.

Kuopio is aiming for an event that attracts about 100,000 visitors. It would be the city’s third housing fair: previous events were held in Saaristokaupunki in 2010 and Jynkkä in 1980.

If the housing fair’s board approves Kuopio’s application, the parties will begin preparing a reservation agreement. The event year and location will be specified during project planning after the agreement is signed.