Lapinlahti belongs to everyone – let the decision-makers know using this ready-made letter template!

Lapinlahti’s valuable cultural heritage site must not be treated merely as a property investment! Let’s work together to help decision-makers avoid this mistake and build a Helsinki we can be proud of. Check out the article and the new campaign page for instructions on how you can share your views directly with decision-makers – and do so soon.

Community activities in Lapinlahti that promote mental wellbeing and are open to all are once again at risk of being sidelined in favour of commercial activities: over 85 per cent of the main building may be closed off to local residents. Under the plan drawn up by officials, mental health services open to local residents, as well as activities organised by community organisations and cultural groups, are to be squeezed into a small section of the ground floor of the main building, as well as into the Omenapuutalo and Terapiatalo buildings.

Everything else is being let out as the company’s head office. The company’s name has not been disclosed.

Time is of the essence! At the City Executive Board’s morning meeting on 17 September 2026, political decision-makers will be taking a stance for the first time on the plan drawn up by civil servants. The City Executive Board may refer the matter back and require officials to amend the plan. Write to the decision-makers now and share your views:

According to our information, the initial project plan is first approved by the Buildings and Public Areas Sub-committee, which reports to the Urban Environment Committee. The final decision is made by the City Council. Once officials have drawn up a more detailed project plan, the Sub-committee and the City Council will, in due course, also decide on its approval.

Decision-makers can see the price of Lapinlahti – but can they see its value?

The main building is one of the best-preserved structures designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. The activities, which are open to all and free of charge, are a direct continuation of 185 years of mental health work in the area, which reduces the City of Helsinki’s social and healthcare costs. In an unstable global situation, places such as Lapinlahti, with their exceptionally long history, strengthen the bonds between people, promote well-being and enhance resilience in times of crisis.

The extent of the repairs to the buildings in Lapinlahti depends on what sort of activities will take place in the area in the future. For years, Helsinki’s political decision-makers have been trying to reach a consensus on the future use of the area, without success.

The city has gauged the views of Helsinki’s residents through three surveys and a workshop between 2019 and 2023. Residents have also expressed their views on the matter through a citizens’ initiative and several petitions. The message is clear: Lapinlahti must remain a centre for mental wellbeing that is open to everyone.

However, city officials have repeatedly proposed privatising the area. Why haven’t the city’s residents been listened to?

Send a message to decision-makers

Tell the decision-makers what Lapinlahti means to you! On the campaign page below, you’ll find a simple form that lets you send your message directly to the right people:

Why is Lapinlahti important to you? Does the place support your everyday wellbeing, or has it brought you comfort during a difficult time in your life? You can edit the ready-made template, or if you find writing difficult, you can use the list provided in the message template to help you. Please write politely and sign the message with your own name.

Let’s stand together and show our strength!