Helsinki to acquire Helsinki Arena as city council seeks expropriation decision

The city of Helsinki is set to acquire the Helsinki Arena, as the city council has sought a principle decision today regarding the submission of a request for expropriation. Political leaders in the city are being asked to commit to this acquisition to ensure that adequate funding can be secured if necessary.

This principle decision underscores the city’s strong intention to move forward with the process, according to Jukka-Pekka Ujula, Helsinki’s Chief Secretary. Ujula, in a recent interview, estimated that the total cost related to the expropriation could be in the tens of millions.

It is anticipated that the request for expropriation will be submitted in November or December. The government will ultimately decide on granting the expropriation permit, and Ujula noted that it may take several weeks to prepare the application for consideration by governmental authorities.

The city council has also urged the relevant municipal departments to proceed with the acquisition of Helsinki Arena and to prepare preliminary budget requests. Ujula explained that “preliminary possession” could allow the city to take control of the area before the expropriation is legally finalized. However, he acknowledged that the process involves multiple phases, and the overall duration and outcome may be affected by potential appeal processes.

Helsinki Arena has remained vacant since February 2022, and the city has been attempting to find a new owner, but negotiations have stalled. The city will abandon the expropriation request if an alternative solution for utilizing the arena is identified.