Pori city council to decide on multi-million euro construction projects in June
The city council of Pori, Finland, is set to make key decisions in June on major construction investments worth tens of millions of euros, including the future of the city’s main library, sports facilities, youth centre, event spaces, and museum collection centre, Yle reports.
A tight schedule has been set for the process, with city committees required to submit their positions by 21 May. The council is expected to finalise its stance in June.
At the heart of the debate is the future of the current main library building. Options include renovating the existing structure, constructing a new building in its place, or relocating the library entirely. This decision will also impact other projects in the investment package.
Only a minority of councillors have so far declared their position. Of those who have, most favour renovating the current building.
Divided opinions on library’s future
Left Alliance councillor Oili Heino supports preserving the existing building, arguing it should remain in public use as originally intended. “We should maintain a significant public service building in its original purpose and as a city-owned property,” Heino said.
A completely new library and youth centre would cost €26.5 million, while renovation would be slightly cheaper. Some councillors see renovation as the more practical option due to uncertainty over the current building’s protected status.
Others, like Finns Party councillor Tomi Aalto, advocate for demolition. “Not everything old can or should be preserved. The library’s renovation is justified by poor indoor air quality, meaning its old structures are already damaged,” Aalto argued.
Most councillors remain undecided, awaiting further reports due in May. Green Party group leader Anna Kyhä-Mantere stressed the need to first determine the library’s location, while Centre Party’s Marita Salmio dismissed calls to delay the decision, stating that sufficient information has already been provided.