Tampere City Planning Committee approves zoning proposal for Hakametsä Ice Arena redevelopment

The Tampere City Planning Committee approved a contentious zoning proposal for the Hakametsä Ice Arena area on Tuesday. The city aims to develop an indoor sports arena, commercial and office spaces, as well as new housing for approximately 1,000 residents. However, local residents expressed concerns over the area’s transformation and the fate of two popular nearby parks.

During the vote, the committee decided to return the zoning plan for further preparation with a result of 10-3. Hakametsä is Finland’s first ice arena, completed in 1965 for the Ice Hockey World Championships, serving as the home ground for the Ilves and Tappara teams for decades. In 2021, the teams moved to a new arena, leaving the future of Hakametsä and its surrounding neighborhoods uncertain.

The new zoning plan now includes a protection designation for the ice arena, around which various sports activities will be developed. Revisions were made to the plan based on public feedback, ensuring that a larger portion of Tartonsuo Park will be preserved, and more of Uudenkyla Park will remain than previously planned. The city also plans to maintain existing popular dog parks and is exploring the potential for a new skate park in the area.

The proposal includes new residential units across three blocks, consisting of apartment buildings ranging from five to thirteen stories. Approximately 50,000 square meters will be dedicated to both private and public sports services, education, accommodation, offices, administration, and businesses, incorporating spaces from the current ice arena. Additionally, the plan accommodates the establishment of a new high school. The zoning proposal will now proceed for approval by the Tampere City Board and City Council.