Finland’s first large-scale, free youth street culture centre to open in Vantaa

A unique, youth-led street culture centre offering free activities will open in Vantaa’s Havukoski district this autumn, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle. The 3,500-square-metre facility, named Halo, is the first of its kind in Finland and was co-designed by local young people.

The centre will provide spaces for skateboarding, scootering, street basketball, football, dance, martial arts, fitness, cooking, and even a barbershop. There will also be open creative spaces, a small performance stage, and workshops for arts, crafts, and entrepreneurship. Equipment will be available to borrow at no cost, and no prior skills are required to participate.

“You can just walk in—no need to take off your shoes,” said Emmi Tanner, head of youth activities at the Me Foundation, which operates the centre. The foundation, established by the creators of gaming company Supercell, is funding the project alongside the City of Vantaa, which is providing the former caravan factory premises.

Local teens Ahmed Hassan, 17, and Manar Ameen, 17, helped shape the plans and will use the centre regularly. Hassan highlighted the lack of free, accessible activities for youth: “Right now, if you want to do something, it usually costs money. This changes that.” Ameen, who requested a dance studio, said she plans to spend much of her time there: “I’ll push schoolwork aside and come here—it’s that amazing!”

The €2 million project targets hundreds of daily visitors, with an expected opening in November. Inspired by similar centres in Denmark and Sweden, Halo aims to foster creativity, entrepreneurship, and community—without focusing on social issues. “We wanted to build something that creates positive momentum,” said Hannu Rusama, Vantaa’s programme director.

Designed by youth, for youth

Young people in the Koivukylä area have influenced every aspect of Halo, from its name—derived from “Havukoski’s light”—to its facilities. Walls feature their handwritten wishes, including mural projects with street artists, a test kitchen for smoothies, and pop-up businesses. Tanner emphasised the centre’s role in teaching resilience: “Failure isn’t feared here; it’s a chance to learn and see opportunities others might miss.”

While primarily for upper-secondary-aged youth and older, Halo has no strict age limits. The City of Vantaa selected Havukoski, an area facing socioeconomic challenges, to host the pilot. However, organisers stress that Halo is not an “intervention” but a space for organic growth and self-expression.