New zoning and budget initiatives set Turku on course for sustainable growth ahead of 2029 celebration
As Turku prepares to celebrate its 800th anniversary in 2029, the city is launching a transformative vision centered on innovation, maritime development, and citizen engagementpositioning itself as a leading hub for sustainable urban growth in Northern Europe.
The concept guiding Turku’s 800th anniversary celebrations, to be held in 2029, has been completed. It encourages all of us to be active and take initiative by being the first to create actions that strengthen a sense of urban belonging. Every resident of Turku will have the opportunity to participate in the anniversary year either as a contributor or as a participant.
Western Turku Master Zoning Advances
The City Board approved the initiation of the master plan for the area between Western Turku, the port, and Raisionlahti.
Follow us on: 
The master plan, named Merikaupunki Master Plan, is a general land-use plan covering the districts of Satama, Pahaniemi, Artukainen, Pansio, and Perno.
The goal of the plan is to create sustainable, high-quality maritime housing in Western Turku and provide functional solutions for business development.
Next, a public notice of initiation will be issued, and the participation and assessment plan will be made available for public feedback.
The master plan supports the city’s strong growth towards the sea and contributes to the goals of Turku’s Maritime City Vision, which extends into the 2070s. Turku Maritime City Vision.
Criteria and process for participatory budget updated
Participatory budgeting has been carried out in Turku since 2020, and the third round is currently underway, concluding at the end of this year. Based on previously identified needs, the criteria and process for participatory budgeting will be updated and will take effect in the 2026-2027 cycle.
The schedules for future cycles have been confirmed, and Turku’s 800th anniversary will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the 2028-2029 round.
New housing and services planned for Petrelius
A new zoning plan named Petreliuksenportti, located in the Luolavuori district on the site of the former Petrea rehabilitation research center, will enable the construction of a variety of housing units as well as commercial, service, and office spaces on the plot at Peltolantie 3. The area is planned to provide new homes for approximately 920 residents.
Along Peltolantie, four new apartment building plots have been zoned, each allowing for the construction of three apartment buildings. The area will also include row houses or alternatively other types of attached housing.
The vacant rehabilitation center will be demolished, and the former children's home building dating back to the 1930s will be protected.
The zoning plan has progressed from the City Board to the City Council for approval.