South Karelia group seeks endangered-heritage status for Tiuru hospital

An application has been filed to add the derelict Tiuru hospital in Lappeenranta to a European list of endangered cultural heritage sites, Yle reports. The application was submitted in the name of the South Karelia Regional Association ahead of Friday’s deadline.

The hospital, on the shore of Lake Saimaa, was completed in 1939 and has stood empty since 2012. It is in very poor condition and has been targeted by vandals and thieves, Yle reports.

The association supports preserving the building. Its deputy chair, Kari Luumi, said restoration could benefit tourism and suggested the hospital might be used for accommodation. The association’s stated mission is to protect South Karelia’s cultural landscape and preserve its heritage.

Lappeenranta city wants the building demolished. Preparations for demolition have been delayed by an appeal to the Administrative Court of Eastern Finland against the zoning decision that would allow the work. The city’s mayor has said the demolition remains the city’s goal even if the hospital is considered for the European programme.

The application was promoted by Juha Pyrhönen, an emeritus professor at LUT University in Lappeenranta. The programme, run by heritage organisation Europa Nostra, selects seven endangered European heritage sites each year. Being selected brings publicity and expert assistance, but no funding or guarantee that a site will be preserved.

Fourteen finalists are expected to be announced in February, with the final selections due in March. The former Malmi airport in Finland was previously included on the list, in 2016.