MIPIM - City in focus: Turku

Vesa Palander, director of Business and Economic Development, City of Turku

Vesa Palander

What do you hope to achieve at MIPIM this year?

We are a small city in a small country so our primary aim is to raise awareness.  We have a number of interesting real estate projects, talking to investors and finding those who are interested in these opportunities.   

What makes your area a compelling investment proposition?

We are the fastest-growing region in Finland, which means demand for real estate across a range of asset classes.  We have some interesting opportunities across distinctive industries. 

What is the biggest challenge your area faces?

Currently, it’s finding investors for residential projects which then in turn finance the infrastructure investment. 
These projects play a critical role in our growth strategy, not only in meeting housing demand, but because the revenues they generate are integral to financing the wider infrastructure investment that underpins the city's long-term development.

What project in your area are you most excited about?

The Turku science park is the fastest-growing knowledge hub in Finland. it is being supported by significant infrastructure investment, including a new high-speed rail connection to Helsinki, which will further enhance Turku's connectivity and appeal.

We then have the historic waterfront area, which we are now regenerating into a residential and mixed-use space.  From an investment perspective, price levels remain competitive by European standards, offering value in a growing market. 

Eddie Roche