Espoo waterfront restaurant project delayed again

A long-awaited waterfront restaurant in Espoo, Finland, known as Klobben, continues to be uncertain, with its development stalled years after its initial conception. The project, selected in 2021 by the city of Espoo to be executed by KF Restaurants oy, part of the Kassiopeia hotel and restaurant chain, has seen its timeline repeatedly pushed back.

Kassiopeia, which operates popular establishments like Nokkalan Majakka, initially planned to begin construction in 2023. However, three years later, the Klobben site remains without its restaurant. The city has extended the restaurant's planning reservation four times, most recently in December, as plans have evolved and a building permit is still pending.

The latest design revisions include the reintroduction of a sauna, a feature initially planned but later removed by the company. Kassiopeia had argued that the sauna would reduce valuable space needed for the restaurant's 80-seat capacity to ensure profitability. However, city officials stipulated that the project could only proceed if a public sauna was included. This led the company to expand the 500-square-meter building by 55 square meters, requiring a deviation permit and further delaying the process.

"That's why it's taken so long," said Maria Koskinen, Kassiopeia's operational director. The project also required a deviation permit previously because the restaurant is being built in a different location than designated by the zoning plan. While administrative court rejected appeals from a local residents' association and individuals in spring 2024, the start and end dates for construction remain unknown.

Klobben's beach has long lacked adequate services. The old beach cafe, along with restrooms and changing facilities, was demolished a few years ago. Currently, only an ice cream kiosk serves sunbathers and swimmers. This situation mirrors broader challenges Espoo has faced in establishing new, year-round restaurants along its waterfront, with previous attempts in Haukilahti and Otsolahti also failing to materialize due to local opposition or unmet applicant criteria.

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That's why it's taken so long.