Sääksmäki congregation faces decision on Valkeakoski church renovation costs

The Sääksmäki congregation has recently revealed the costs associated with renovating the Valkeakoski church, which has been closed for over six years. The future of the church has been a topic of contention for an even longer period. On Thursday, three repair options were presented to the congregation’s decision-makers.

According to A-insinöörit Suunnittelu’s assessment, the most expensive option involves converting the church into a multifunctional space at an estimated cost of €9.7 million. Another option proposes using the church seasonally, which could range from €6.5 to €8.4 million due to potential demolition of certain parts. The cheapest solution, demolition, is projected to cost around €970,000.

The church, built in 1969, is not protected under church law, unlike some newer structures. A recent survey revealed most respondents favored demolition. The financial viability of修ing the church is under scrutiny, with congregation representatives concerned that the estimated €10 million repair costs could jeopardize ongoing operations, potentially leading to staff cutbacks.

For several years, this situation has led to disputes and legal challenges following a demolition decision made in March 2018. Opinions remain divided among congregation leaders about the best course of action. The current economic outlook for Sääksmäki indicates a declining membership, which presents additional challenges for maintaining church operations.

Financial expert Mika Piittala has highlighted the need for careful planning, given that Sääksmäki’s membership has halved since the early 2000s, while projections show a continued decline. Comparatively, a church in Espoo that was built in 1965 underwent renovations costing €17 million in 2022. The congregation must now determine which services may need budget cuts to adapt to the evolving financial landscape.