Turku: Tram project advances from City Board to City Council for decision on April 27
The City Board proposes to the City Council the construction of the harbourVarissuo tramline.
The City Board approved the investment decision for the tramway, as well as the budget allocation required to proceed with the rolling stock procurement and the construction phase works planned for 2026-2028, even before state funding has been confirmed.
The Board proposes to the City Council that the 12-kilometre tram project—running from the harbour through the city centre and Kupittaa to Varissuo—be implemented in accordance with the implementation plans and preliminary street designs prepared by the Turku Tramway Alliance, with a maximum cost of €465.2 million (indexed to the earthworks cost index of August 2025).
The decision to build the tramway is conditional upon receiving state funding, which is expected to be addressed in the next round of MAL (land use, housing and transport) negotiations.
In addition, the City Board proposes the renovation of the public transport corridor, including the Tuomiokirkko Bridge, as well as construction works on Aninkaistenkatu and Uudenmaankatu to accommodate the future tramline, and the continuation of tram planning. Archaeological excavations related to the public transport corridor project will also be subject to decision.
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The City Council will consider the tram investment decision and the implementation of the public transport corridor at its meeting on May 18.
Spa and sauna complex planned for Impivaara swimming hall site
Jukupark Oy and TKU-Rakennus Oy have been granted a site reservation based on an innovation partnership to develop a spa and sauna complex between the Impivaara swimming hall and Jukupark.
This part of the site was originally reserved for the expansion of the swimming hall, but those plans have since been abandoned. The zoning designation and remaining building rights are suitable for the proposed spa and sauna development.
The site reservation is valid until June 30, 2027. By then, detailed implementation plans and financial assessments must be completed. If the planning does not lead to a lease agreement, the reservation will expire without compensation.
Cooperation negotiations to begin regarding the Work Centre
On February 2, 2026, the City Board initiated preparations for a business transfer, under which the operations and staff of the City of Turku’s Work Centre would be transferred to a new social enterprise.
During the preparation process, it became clear that transferring the Work Centre’s operations and personnel as such may not be a feasible solution. On April 13, 2026, the City Board revised its decision to focus not only on the business transfer but also on identifying alternative solutions.
As part of this process, the city has assessed that it is necessary to initiate cooperation negotiations to explore alternative options. On April 27, the City Board decided to launch these negotiations, which will involve 74 employees. Any potential business transfer will be decided separately by the City Board.