Newly formed heritage association halts demolition of Valkeakoski church

A recently established preservation group has temporarily stopped the demolition of Valkeakoski church in Finland after filing for its protection, Yle reports.

The Finnish Permit and Supervision Authority (LVV) has issued a demolition ban on the building while the protection request is reviewed—a process expected to take one to two years. During this period, the church cannot be demolished or otherwise endangered.

The delay will cost Sääksmäki parish approximately €100,000 per year in maintenance, according to financial director Anneli Hell. The parish has pushed for demolition since 2018 due to the church’s poor condition and high repair costs, estimated at nearly €10 million.

The newly founded Valkeakoski Church Building Preservation Association, led by parish council member Riikka-Leena Eerola-Nieminen, submitted the protection proposal on February 17. Eerola-Nieminen belongs to the Evankeliumi elämään (Gospel to Life) group, which has long opposed demolition.

Parish vicar Ari Rantavaara called the move unexpected, stating no prior public discussion had taken place. The parish must now pause its demolition permit application until LVV reaches a decision.

The church has been unused since 2018 and was placed under a usage ban in 2023 following a structural assessment. Earlier this year, Yle reported that demolition was proceeding despite the rarity of such cases in Finland.