Vantaa is tackling regional segregation with long-term urban planning
Like many other cities, Vantaa is concerned that its areas will become divided into affluent and disadvantaged areas in the future. This trend towards segregation will be managed by investing particularly in the more disadvantaged areas.
In practice, segregation means that certain areas have higher unemployment than other areas, for example, and the value of housing in the area is lower. There may also be fewer commercial services, and the area may not be attractive to housing developers.
The Urban Environment division, which is responsible for urban planning in Vantaa, has drawn up a plan of measures to reverse the trend of segregation through urban planning.
– It is important for Vantaa as a city that all our areas are vibrant and pleasant to live in. If an area falls behind, it is important to intervene in time, emphasizes Tero Anttila, Deputy Mayor of the Urban Environment division.
Not all of the planned measures are new, and work to prevent segregation has already been done in the past. The measures outlined in the Roadmap for Preventing Segregation are largely about tackling segregation more vigorously, for example by directing city funds specifically to socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.
We are targeting regional segregation particularly in Hakunila, Koivukylä, and Myyrmäki, but also in other areas where there is a risk of segregation. In addition, the risk of segregation is taken into account in the planning and zoning of new areas.
High-quality services create a positive circle
One of the most important measures is to direct significant municipal investments, such as a new library or swimming pool, to segregated areas. These so-called anchor investments also attract private investments to the same area, such as shops, restaurants, and new housing construction.
– Significant services attract visitors to the area, which in turn brings potential customers to local businesses. The increased customer flow often attracts new businesses to the area, which in turn often leads to an increase in land value, says Milja Halmkrona, regional architect for Eastern Vantaa, who was involved in the roadmap for preventing segregation.
One timely and significant investment is the tramway. The future tramway will run from Mellunmäki in Helsinki via Hakunila to Tikkurila and on to the airport. It will be a significant boost for Hakunila, which is at risk of segregation and where the value of housing and land in the area has already risen as a result of the tram plans. The new tracks will bring with them a lot of construction and services and could significantly increase the attractiveness and livability of Hakunila.
The city's own investments are planned on a long-term basis. In Vantaa's current tight economic situation, investments must be carefully considered, but this consideration takes into account areas at risk of segregation.
Improvements to streets and parks
In addition to investments, efforts can be made to improve and maintain the streets, squares, and parks in segregated areas.
An example of street and park improvements is the ongoing renovation of the Myyrmäki station area. During the summer, graffiti has been removed from the station area and broken paving stones have been repaired. In addition, the plantings in the nearby Paalukylänpuisto park have been tidied up. During the autumn, the rundown stairs and footbridge on Liesikuja will be demolished.
A diverse housing stock is essential
One of the most important measures is to ensure that there is a diverse housing stock in different areas. In practice, this means that the area has owner-occupied apartments, rental homes, and right-of-occupancy apartments.
In addition, attention is paid to the size of the apartments. For example, construction companies are required to ensure that new apartment buildings include not only small apartments but also apartments suitable for families.
A one-sided housing supply, for example, with an emphasis on small rental apartments, can narrow the population base of the area and reduce the vitality of services," says Milja Halmkrona.
The form of ownership and size of apartments are specified in the terms and conditions for the transfer of land, i.e., the terms and conditions set for companies purchasing land from the city.
Measures to prevent segregation also include, for example, supporting local community activities and increasing interaction between city experts and residents. In particular, there is a desire to give children and young people in these areas a greater voice.
– However, reversing the trend of segregation cannot be achieved through urban planning alone. National-level decisions that affect people’s livelihoods also play an important role, says Milja Halmkrona.
