Helsinki’s new skate hall will also host basketball and podcasting

A former ice rink in Helsinki’s Malmi district will open as a new activity hall for skateboarders, scooter riders and BMX cyclists, Yle reports. Some spaces are due to open in December, with the full hall expected to be available in January 2027.

The city’s Culture and Leisure Committee approved the project’s needs assessment on Tuesday. The hall will also offer street basketball, street football, table tennis and a separate dance space.

Small craft rooms will provide space for activities including podcast production. In total, 3,463 square metres will be set aside for recreational use, equivalent to two former ice hockey rinks.

The third rink area, currently hosting an exhibition about ancient Egypt, will continue to be used for events and exhibitions. Helsinki currently has one skate hall, Luuppi in Kontula.