The City of Turku has completed a model for joint cooperation and development for the port area. The model aims to combine and integrate different expertise areas, including a plan for engaging the stakeholders in the development processes.

At present, there are many processes and developments in the port area of Turku. The new joint ferry terminal building for shipping companies Viking Line and Tallink Silja is scheduled for opening at the end of 2025. Also, new mobility arrangements (transport connections to the passenger port, port field recreational area and redesigning Linnanniemi area) will be implemented. The adjacent Linnakaupunki residential area is being built. The City aims to attract roughly 10 000 – 15 000 new residents to the Linnakaupunki area. With regard to workplaces and business life, the aim is to reserve roughly 450 000 square meters of floor area. Among other areas, Linnakaupunki comprises the areas of Linnanfältti, Herttuankulma, Harppuunakortteli, Kirstinpuisto and Vaasanpuisto as well as parts of the port and Linnanniemi. 

There are also processes like the development of carbon neutral mobility and customer satisfaction as well as the stormwater management and noise protection which should be taken into account when planning and building the port area.

This plan has been updated between April 2020 and March 2021. During this time period the new passenger railway access to the harbor was examined but relinquished due to several reasons (e.g. the amount of traffic having to cross the railroad track, high expenses, possible use of land in the north side of the terminal for other purposes e.g. as a residential area). Even though the plans might change a bit during the development, the overall aim remains the same - to make the port area more sustainable and accessible by different mobility solutions. In integral part of this is communication with the stakeholders to ensure inclusive participatory planning processes. Have a look at the full document here.