Complaint delays celebrity chef’s Lapland sauna and restaurant project

A planned sauna and restaurant complex in Äkäslompolo, Kolari, faces a setback after a zoning decision was appealed to the Northern Finland Administrative Court.

The appeal, filed against the municipal council’s approval of the zoning change, is expected to delay the €5 million project by up to 18 months, according to project lead and celebrity chef Sirly Ylläsjärvi.

Ylläsjärvi, CEO of Sauna- ja ravintomaailma Äkäs, described the team’s morale as “pretty beaten down” and expressed doubt about the project’s future. Costs have already risen by €400,000 since 2022 due to increased material expenses.

The site, located on the flood-risk banks of the Äkäsjoki river, requires land elevation to mitigate flood damage. Concerns over potential impacts on nearby properties led the council to return the plan for further preparation last December.

Ylläsjärvi noted that missing out on EU funding opportunities this year, due to changed subsidy priorities, has added to the financial strain.