Walking Routes, New Housing and a Stronger Maritime Identity – Rauma City Centre Vision Sets the Direction for Future Development
News
New high-quality housing along the banks of the Rauma Canal, more business activity in Tarvontori and the blocks of Old Rauma, stronger maritime character and preparation for climate change. All of this is proposed in the Rauma City Centre Vision 2050.
The Rauma City Council will consider the City Centre Vision at its meeting on Monday, 28 September 2026. The vision provides direction for the development of the city centre in the coming years and decades.
More than 1,000 participants contributed to the preparation of the vision over the course of approximately one year. Nearly 900 residents responded to the online survey. In addition to the survey, two citizen workshops, three school events, five stakeholder events, four City Council evening sessions, a future festival at Karin kampus, an expert seminar, 23 interviews, two webinars and 30 other meetings were organised.
– The City Centre Vision shows what we want our shared urban environment to become. It is not a detailed construction plan, but a direction towards which we will move. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process. This is a shared vision created by the people of Rauma, says Mayor Esko Poikela.
The consultants involved in the vision process were Arkkitehdit Tommila Oy, Nomaji Maisema-arkkitehdit Oy, Urban Practice Oy and transport planning expert Seppo Karppinen.
What Will Happen in the City Centre Going Forward?
The vision focuses on the functionality of everyday life and the vitality of the city. Workshops and surveys identified key areas that offer particularly strong opportunities for achieving positive change.
The Vision Explored the Following Development Directions:
Tarvontori is to be developed into a multifunctional hybrid block that will include commercial and office premises, housing, a possible new hotel, indoor play services, and a hub for educational and business collaboration.
Another area cherished by the people of Rauma is the Canal, where new small-scale urban housing, parks and promenades will be built along its banks. Meritori, located at the bend of the Canal, would serve as a hub for seasonal activities and a gateway to the sea. The courtyards and outbuildings within the commercial blocks of Old Rauma will be brought into use as workshop, studio and entrepreneurship spaces, and the area surrounding Hauenguano will be strengthened as a centre for art and history.
The aim is to create stronger connections between Old Rauma and the newer city centre by integrating public transport and improving pedestrian and cycling routes. Access to the future passenger rail stop next to Prisma and Citymarket will be provided via an urban park boulevard.
– In the city centre of the future, housing, services, businesses, maritime character and greenery will come together. We have an opportunity to work together to make Rauma even more attractive and enjoyable, says City Architect Leena Joki-Korpela, who has led the preparation of the City Centre Vision.
What Happens Next?
Implementation of the vision will begin with pilot projects that test ideas before larger investments are made. Success will require cooperation between the city, businesses, educational institutions, associations and residents. The City Centre Vision will be translated into concrete actions through various plans.
