Construction of Messukeskus Solar begins – How we are preparing for the project

Construction of Messukeskus Solar, event space of the future, will begin in spring 2026. The approximately 20‑million‑euro project is one of the largest investments made by Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre in recent decades. The construction site will be located on Messuaukio Square, an area that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Petri Forsell, Site Manager at YIT, explains how a project of this scale will be carried out safely and systematically, with careful attention to the customer experience, while our operations continue throughout the construction period.

Messukeskus Solar will strengthen Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre as an international event venue. The project also includes the renewal of the façade and main entrance, the latter of which will be completed by autumn 2026. Construction will begin at the end of March 2026, when a crane previously used at the Kruunuvuorensilta bridge site arrives at Messuaukio Square.

Thorough planning lays the foundation

Solar is a significant commercial construction project for YIT and an exceptional site in many ways. Building in the middle of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s daily operations requires exceptionally precise planning.

“Messukeskus Solar is a major showcase for us, and naturally we want to demonstrate our expertise. We are building in the heart of a live event environment, and we want to be worthy of the trust placed in us,” says Petri Forsell, YIT’s Site Manager responsible for Solar.

Solar will also serve as a showcase for Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. In the future, it will be the first thing every visitor sees when arriving at Messuaukio Square.

“Messukeskus Solar is an event space of the future that strengthens our position as an international event venue. YIT carried out the renovation of our hotel property in 2018, and Solar continues our cooperation in a natural way,” says Mika Vakkilainen, Property Director at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre.

From the outset, planning has taken the venue’s event calendar into account. The construction site will be fully closed during the Arctic Lights Comic Con event in May and during the University of Helsinki entrance examinations in May–June.

“This was a joint decision to ensure that nothing disrupts the events,” Forsell explains.

The noisiest demolition work will be carried out when there are no events in the area and the neighbouring school is closed. Summer, the most important season for construction, will be utilised to its fullest.

The new main entrance will be built first

The first visible phase of the project is the construction of the new main entrance, which will be completed already by autumn 2026. The site will be enclosed with solid protective walls to prevent dust and noise from spreading into the event facilities.

“We will dismantle the existing vestibule from the outside. We will not enter the indoor areas of the venue, and the site will be fully enclosed with structural protective walls,” Forsell says.

Throughout the construction period, YIT and Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre will hold weekly site meetings to review schedules, safety and event‑related considerations. This ensures smooth information flow and quick solutions.

“The cooperation is close. We go through matters with the entire organisation so that everyone knows what is happening and when,” Forsell notes.

A safe and clear environment for all visitors

Construction inevitably brings noise and changes to access routes. Forsell emphasises that open communication is key to ensuring smooth daily operations during the project.

“There will be noise — that’s unavoidable. But we always inform in advance when noisy work phases will take place.”

Access routes and traffic arrangements will be planned to ensure smooth visitor flow. Construction logistics will run via Rautatieläisenkatu to keep Messuaukio Square as functional as possible.

“A physical site fence separates the construction area from passers‑by. Safety always comes first,” Forsell stresses.

Schedules hold when everyone knows their role

The project will progress in four phases from spring 2026 to autumn 2027. The construction schedule is based on detailed planning and continuous monitoring.

“We have an overall schedule, from which we derive phase‑specific schedules. Every contractor knows their timeframe.”

Forsell notes that summer is the most critical period for construction, and work will also be carried out in two shifts.

“Summer is our key window. That’s when demolition and structural work take place so we can get under cover before the autumn rains.”

A technically demanding and responsible project

Construction of Messukeskus Solar includes several technically challenging phases. Large ventilation plant rooms will be lifted into place as modules, requiring efficient logistics and a large crane.

“One module weighs around 20 tonnes. The crane enables fast and safe installation,” Forsell explains.

A solar panel field will be installed on Solar’s roof, and sustainability is reflected in material choices and recycling practices. The building will meet the latest energy‑efficiency requirements.

“We aim to reuse or recycle all materials that are removed. That is what modern construction is about.”

The venue evolves with events — and so does the construction site

“Messukeskus Solar is being built using the alliance model, with YIT, Architects Davidsson Tarkela Siren, Sweco Structural Engineering, Äyräväinen Engineering and E‑Plan Engineering all involved. The model requires close cooperation to ensure the project’s success,” Mika Vakkilainen says.

Forsell emphasises that success is built on a shared commitment.

“We have openly reviewed our operating principles and the venue’s ways of working to ensure that a major construction site can function in the middle of everything. Shared thinking around scheduling is essential. We have a strong foundation, and that creates the conditions for everything we do.”

Messukeskus Solar will open its doors in autumn 2027.