Demolition work at Raastuvankatu 33 begins in September: City Centre Comprehensive School to be completed in 2029

Construction of the new comprehensive school in the city centre will get under way in earnest when demolition of the office building at Raastuvankatu 33 begins in September. The demolition works are expected to be completed in February 2027.

 

A new building for the comprehensive school will be constructed on the site of the demolished building. It will house the school’s arts and crafts facilities, canteen, and sports hall. The sports hall will also be available to other residents in the evenings and at weekends.

Demolition to cause temporary changes to traffic arrangements

The demolition of the building at Raastuvankatu 33 will result in temporary changes to traffic arrangements and alter the streetscape in the area. The location is narrow and busy, so everyone travelling through it is asked to take extra care.

Pupils at nearby schools have been given guidance on safe routes to use near the demolition site while work is under way.

Construction of the new school building to begin in spring 2027

The planning phase for the new comprehensive school in the city centre began in January 2026 and has progressed according to schedule. School staff and other stakeholders have been extensively involved in the planning process.

This autumn, the project will apply for a building permit and hold market dialogue with potential contractors. The tendering process for the construction works will begin at the end of this year, and construction will start in spring 2027.

City Centre Comprehensive School will comprise three buildings

The City Centre Comprehensive School will consist of three buildings:

• The valuable historic building at Kauppapuistikko 22, which is set to be fully renovated;
• A new building to be constructed on the site of the office building at Raastuvankatu 33, which will be demolished;
• Keskuskoulu Primary School, which was renovated in 2020. The Keskuskoulu building will be used in its present condition.

Once finished, the new premises will accommodate all of Merenkurkku Secondary School, as well as the bilingual and English-language classes of Suvilahti School. After the move, the Merenkurkku School building will no longer be used for educational purposes.