Helsinki's popular Haltiala city farm, a destination for thousands of families annually, has been sold in a unanimous decision by the city's environment board. The board voted on Tuesday to sell the entire farm, including over 30 buildings, to private company Lännentila Oy for 200,000 euros, ending decades of direct municipal operation. The deal includes a mandatory 30-year land lease agreement at approximately 21,000 euros per year, ensuring the site remains a public recreational space.
"This is a situation where everyone wins," said Ville Lehmuskoski, the City Environment Sector Director who presented the decision. He argued the move transforms a previously costly city service into one that is economically productive while improving quality. "City residents will get more free services than before," Lehmuskoski added, emphasizing that public access would remain uninterrupted, with the new operator set to take over in time for the coming summer season.
The decision followed a concept competition held by the city last year, which Lännentila Oy won with its proposal titled "Haltiala Experience Farm." The board approved the sale with a supplementary clause stressing the importance of maintaining animal welfare principles and free access.
A Cross-Political Priority for Accessibility
The sale garnered rare cross-party support within the city government. Johanna Laisaari, the Deputy Mayor and Chair of the City Environment Board, highlighted the shared commitment to accessible services. "It was considered important, across party lines, that the operation is accessible and equal for all city residents," Laisaari stated. This consensus underscores the farm's role as a core public amenity in the Finnish capital, where principles of universal access often guide municipal policy.
The supplementary clause attached to the decision mandates the city to develop ways to monitor the new operator. The oversight will focus on ensuring compliance with ethical animal treatment standards, the animals' ability to engage in species-specific behavior, and the continuation of free services. This legal safeguard was a critical component of the final vote, reflecting public expectations for the farm's future.
The Blueprint for a New Experience Farm
Lännentila Oy's winning concept promises a significant expansion of the farm's offerings while retaining free entry and year-round opening. Plans include not only the existing animal enclosures but also new attractions like a local food market, a rieska flatbread pizzeria, an adventure playground, and a ski trail cafe. The proposal also envisages farmstay accommodations and saunas, positioning Haltiala as a broader recreational and experience hub within Helsinki's green belt.
The transition marks a shift from a traditional petting zoo model to a multifaceted destination. The focus on "experiences" aligns with broader trends in Finnish tourism and lifestyle services, where consumers seek immersive activities. However, the core appeal of interacting with farm animals remains central to the new plan, ensuring its continued popularity with young families.
Financial and Operational Handover Details
The financial structure of the deal involves a relatively low upfront sale price for the buildings, coupled with a long-term lease for the land. This model allows the city to retain control over the underlying asset while transferring operational costs and risks to a private entity. The annual land rent of 21,000 euros provides the city with a steady income stream from a property that previously required direct subsidies for its operation.
City officials have stressed the continuity of service during the handover. "We will arrange things so that city residents' service is not interrupted," Lehmuskoski confirmed. The operational transfer is expected to happen swiftly, with Lännentila Oy tasked with managing the farm already by the coming summer. This timeline requires a rapid but smooth transition of animal care, staffing, and daily management protocols.