Finland Love me tender

Dating from 1901, the Old Customs House designed by Gustaf Nyström was considered architecturally meritorious when completed, and it plays an important role in Finland’s architectural history as a hallmark of late 19th century architecture. The two-storey building originally housed both cold and warm storage for customs warehousing, a customs chamber, and the transport office’s work and customer facilities. Katajanokka is the east-facing side of Helsinki’s iconic South Harbour. The wharf structures and buildings in the harbour area reflect the history of port operations over a period of more than a hundred years.

The City of Helsinki is hoping to find a suitable new owner with the resources required to renovate and redevelop the building. The outcome will be determined by price. Bidders are expected to propose a versatile concept with functions suitable for the building, such as business premises, offices, workspaces, restaurants, meeting spaces, or art and cultural facilities. At least the first floor should house services available to the public. The deadline for tender submissions is 28 April 2023.