Technology and sustainability at the forefront of the development of this business park of the future
01.02.2024
The new technology cluster we are developing is attracting companies to the west – this is the new West 51 Business Area
The new West 51 Business Area will offer comprehensive solutions. The ideal location, tailor-made commercial premises solutions and sense of communality are particularly appealing to technology sector companies.
EKE-Rakennus’s long-term vision for the development of the West 51 area for use as commercial premises is taking concrete shape, as construction work on the business area began in 2023.
West 51 is located at the intersection of the Kehä III ringroad encircling the Helsinki metropolitan area and the busy Länsiväylä motorway. The location between Espoo’s train and metro station makes it easy to get around the area.
Chair of the board of this family-run company, Tea Ekengren, explains that the planning of the approx. 110,000 m2 area stretches all the way back to the 1980s.
“It’s fantastic to see how Sundsberg is taking this huge step forwards. The whole area is now being developed at quite the pace in good cooperation with the Municipality of Kirkkonummi,” says Ekengren with pride as she discusses the brisk progress of the project.
What kinds of companies will the new West 51 Business Area be suitable for?
Director of Construction Hannu Niemi believes that the area will offer comprehensive solutions for companies’ premises needs.
“We are offering companies new, tailor-made, adaptable, and responsible production and commercial premises in an attractive location, taking into account the entire construction lifecycle and options for using renewable energy sources. These kinds of comprehensive solutions could be perfectly suited to a range of companies focused on technology and data, for example,” states Niemi.
EKE-Rakennus has a number of commercial premises projects underway in the area, with sizes varying from 3,000 to 20,000 m2. Flexibility in how the plot is divided allows for production facilities to be tailored to the needs of each customer.
The zoning plan for the area allows for commercial premises spanning up to five storeys to be built on some of the plots. Along with production premises, a company could also have a product showroom, perhaps. The area is also ideal for Cleantech companies, for example.
The West 51 area will be home to some big players in the technology sector, such as a Microsoft data centre and Fortum’s heat pump plant, creating synergies and cooperation opportunities for those working in the area. Fortum’s heat pump plant will be able to use the waste heat produced by Microsoft to produce emissions-free district heat, which could then be used in the production and commercial premises built in the area.
Everything you need within just 20 minutes
The West 51 area is strategically located with everything a business could need no more than 20 minutes away – including residential areas, jobs, services, hobby options and nature. West 51 also offers not just sustainable mobility, but a community inspiring the development of technology expertise.
“West 51 is set to become an example of how areas can be developed to meet future needs, while also offering an enjoyable and inspiring environment,” explains Ekengren.
“Thanks to EKE’s unwavering vision and determined work, West 51 looks set to grow into not just a technology cluster, but also a pioneer in the use of commercial premises. This will provide a positive boost for the development of the area and demonstrate how the desire and ability of this family-run company to commit over the longer term to developing its vision can produce positive change and new innovations in urban development.”