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Näkymä ilmasta maa-alueeseen, etualalla maantie, taustalla järvimaisema

Unique investment opportunity on the shores of Lake Saimaa: Mikkeli attracts investors to tourism, local food, and events

On the shores of Lake Saimaa, only 230 kilometres from Helsinki, adjacent to Mikkeli city centre, a new hub of experiences and tourism called Puhistamo is emerging. The name refers to the wastewater treatment plant previously located in the area, whose unused infrastructure will be repurposed, demolished, and reconfigured to serve the needs of tourism, events, and commercial activities.

Puhistamo is a next-generation investment destination where tourism, event industries, and commercial services converge in a unique lakeside setting. The area’s prime location near Mikkeli city centre, the transport hub, the harbour, and the Finnish national road 5 makes it an unparalleled opportunity for profitable business ventures for investors and developers.

The economic impact of Puhistamo on the region will be significant. It offers space for bold and imaginative ideas. Nearby, renowned tourist attractions such as Kenkävero and Mikkelipuisto park await, alongside the Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark Visitor Center.

The Puhistamo concept includes multiple elements designed to appeal to businesses, tourists, cottage owners, and local residents. At the heart of the area is a year-round event arena, with a focus on innovative use of light and flexible, customisable spaces to accommodate a wide range of events and activities.

“The Valosseum will be a major attraction and a landmark for the area. Its unique circular design will evoke emotions, and its adaptability makes it a versatile venue for various activities and events,” says Topiantti Äikäs, Director of Land Use for the City of Mikkeli.

Puhistamo also aims to make a significant cultural impact. The planned Liete Club will match the best-known rock clubs in Finland, offering a distinctly Saimaa-inspired experience.

“Liete Club could be described as ‘not a bad gig venue!’ It provides a grittier and more down-to-earth counterpart to the Valosseum, serving as a venue for rock and club events, while also creating a space for youth gatherings and collaborations with educational institutions,” Äikäs explains.

Other planned highlights include a lodging centre called Majakka and a restaurant named Puhdos, which will focus on the D.O. Saimaa label for high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

“Majakka will feature small, visually striking cabins that harmonise with the natural surroundings. These ‘forest cabins in the city’ offer a peaceful retreat. At Puhdos, diners can enjoy Saimaa-prepared cuisine based on seasonal availability and local gastronomy traditions. With its reputation for delicious local food, the Mikkeli region guarantees fresh, delectable flavours,” Äikäs adds.

Market Dialogue and Plot Tendering

The City of Mikkeli and the Mikkeli Development Company Miksei Ltd. have engaged local businesses during the concept development phase. The city is currently zoning the nearby Veturitalli area for a regional hub for specialty retail.

A market dialogue on Puhistamo will be held in early 2025, followed by a competitive negotiation-based plot tendering process. This represents a unique opportunity to invest and participate in developing a major new attraction in Eastern Finland.

“Puhistamo combines modern tourism, local authenticity, and experiential offerings. The area provides versatile opportunities for investors and businesses alike. Interested parties should follow communications from the City of Mikkeli and Miksei for updates on the market dialogue and all Puhistamo-related developments,” says Olli Marjalaakso, Development Director at Miksei.

“I am excited about these new investments, which will not only transform one geographic area of Mikkeli but reshape the entire landscape of vitality in Eastern Finland,” Marjalaakso continues.

Marjalaakso also highlights the core appeal of Puhistamo:

“What brings people together are events and experiences, clean food, easy accessibility, and a sense of locality. Together, these create a successful whole. I’d also like to emphasise the key role of the location—Saimaa itself—which inspires and drives us to create something new and emotionally captivating in Mikkeli.”

Puhistamo in numbers

  • Estimated total investment: € 50 million or more. Construction will generate 300 man-years of work, with 80 new jobs created upon completion. The area is expected to generate an annual regional economic impact of € 14 million.
  • Traffic: An average of 20,000 vehicles pass by Puhistamo daily, a figure projected to increase by 50 % by 2030.
  • Cottage and holiday home users: Nearly 34,000 in 2023—a significant figure compared to the region’s population.
  • Economic contribution from over 10,000 holiday homes: More than € 50 million annually.

Contact information

Topiantti Äikäs
Director of Land Use
City of Mikkeli
topiantti.aikas@mikkeli.fi
+358 40 129 5152

Olli Marjalaakso
Development Director
Mikkeli Development Company Miksei Ltd.
olli.marjalaakso@mikseimikkeli.fi
+358 45 317 2651

More information

https://mikkeli.fi/en/services/for-entrepreneurs/puhistamo-investment-opportunity-by-lake-saimaa-en/

In the “Promoting Investments in South Savo” project, efforts are focused on attracting and advancing investments in the region while simultaneously enhancing the area’s capacity to attract and secure investments. The project is co-funded by the European Union and South Savo Regional Council has granted the funds.