PRESS RELEASE 28.3.2024

The Education and Training Board approved the needs assessment for the renovation of new daycare facilities at Maurinkatu 1a on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

“During the needs assessment, we had a lot of communication and discussions with parents. A key concern for parents is understandably the closure of the nearby and familiar daycare,” says Deputy Mayor Johanna Laisaari.

In the Kruununhaka and Katajanokka areas, the challenge has been that there are not enough daycare places for all the children in the area. The children of Daycare Vironniemi have been in temporary facilities for years. Additionally, there is a lack of Swedish-language spots.

According to the decision made on March 26, the daycare facilities at Maurinkatu 1a will primarily replace the current temporary facilities of Daycare Vironniemi located at Svante Olssonin Park Road. The current temporary facilities must be vacated by December 2024 due to the renovation of Kaisaniemi Park.

Suitable daycare facilities have been sought in the area for a long time. The newly found premises can now be converted into a daycare, thus enabling Daycare Vironniemi to have permanent facilities in the area. At the same time, high-quality early childhood education is secured as a local service for other children in the area. The daycare will eventually have spots for 224 children.

Based on the discussions held and additional assessments, it has been jointly decided with the department and board members at this stage that Daycare Vironniemi will continue under its own name. In addition, Daycares Masto and Wilhola will remain in their current locations to ensure that the service network in the area meets the department’s service promise.

According to the approved counter-proposal by Deputy Mayor Laisaari, parents, children, and staff must be involved in the planning of the facilities, yard, and outdoor activities.

“I believe that with good cooperation and planning, we can create child-centered, functional, and safe spaces for the children in the area,” says Deputy Mayor Laisaari.