The city of Riihimäki is moving forward with a major plan to convert an old power station into a multi-purpose cultural and events center. The project, known as Voimala, represents a 22.1 million euro investment. The city's preliminary share is 7.5 million euros. The renovated facility would house three cinema halls, a concert venue, and several restaurants across five floors. Construction could finish by 2028 if all approvals proceed.
This development directly addresses space issues for the Riihimäki Music Institute. The institute currently operates from 14 to 16 different locations across the city. Its main building at the corner of Valtakatu and Kauppakatu has become too cramped. Moving the institute to Voimala would consolidate its operations into a single, modern facility. This shift forces the city to revise its earlier plans for other educational buildings.
The city council recently authorized Riihimäki Tilat ja Kehitys Oy to draft preliminary agreements with businesses interested in the Voimala space. The company names remain undisclosed. A consultation round on the plans will conclude in January. After that, and once final financing calculations are ready, the city will decide how to proceed. The old power plant sits empty near the railway station and Travel Center. The city has seriously planned new uses for the building since 2022.
From a broader Finnish urban development perspective, this project exemplifies a trend of repurposing industrial heritage. Cities across Finland, including Helsinki and Tampere, have successfully transformed old factories and warehouses into cultural spaces. These projects often boost local economies and create new community focal points. The Voimala project follows this model, aiming to activate a central but underused property.
The plan has clear ripple effects on other municipal properties. If the music institute moves to Voimala, the adult education center would stay in its current Opistotalo building. The Monari youth center would also continue in its present location. Both buildings would then undergo necessary renovations and accessibility improvements. The city initially intended to divest from these three properties: the music institute building, Opistotalo, and Monari.
This decision is part of a larger update to the city's service network. The update covers early childhood education and basic schooling. It excludes the newest daycare centers and schools in Uramo, Piikinmäki, and Uunilintu, as well as the large Eteläinen elementary school. The service network update is scheduled for completion this May. The Voimala project demonstrates how a single infrastructure decision can reshape an entire city's long-term planning for education and culture.
The financial commitment is substantial for a city of Riihimäki's size. The 7.5 million euro municipal investment must be justified by long-term cultural and economic returns. Successful cultural hubs in similar Finnish towns often become drivers for tourism and local business. They also improve the quality of life for residents, which can help attract and retain families. The project's success will depend on securing the right mix of commercial tenants and creating a vibrant, year-round program of events. The city's next steps in early next year will be crucial for turning these ambitious blueprints into reality.