Raahe Region

Raahe region on the coast of Bothnian Bay in northern Finland is a key factor in the world’s happiest country’s efforts to reach more sustainable future. Raahe region is a commuter and service cluster an hour south of Oulu with a unique combination of coastal urban life and countryside peace. The industrial structure is one of the most specialised in Finland due to the large share of industry.

 

Clean, green and energetic

Map of Finland and the city of Raahe.

Planned green transition investments of 5-10 billion euros in the area include wind and solar energy farms and the SSAB Raahe steel plant’s renewal to produce fossil-free steel. Raahe region has already 14 % of Finland’s wind power capacity (2023) and in the next ten years capacity will grow 600 %.

Raahe region offers investors and businesses safe and clean environment, versatile services, wide networks, and strong support from the local officials. The world is open for both people and goods thanks to great rail and road connections, one of Finland’s busiest ports, and Oulu Airport only an hour away. Extensive optical fibre network guarantees reliable and fast communications.

Investment opportunities

Besides metal industry, circular economy, nuclear energy and green hydrogen, the region has wide range of investment opportunities in several sectors. New commercial city centre, marine housing area, offshore wind hub in the Port of Raahe, a multi-purpose facility in the center of Pyhäjoki and tourist attractions in the City of Raahe are currently seeking project partners.

Contacts:

  • Raahe Region, Development Director Pasi Pitkänen tel. +358 40 135 6750, pasi.pitkanen [at] raahe.fi

Raahe Region offers investors plenty of opportunities, great environment and strong support (1:00 min.). Video: The City of Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

TOP 5 reasons to invest in Raahe Region

1 Momentum – big forces on the move

Massive investments in energy and industry sectors boost constructing and commercial sector, create new businesses and jobs and increase the demand for services and housing in Raahe region.

As a new NATO member, Finnish Government has also recognised the significance of northern Finland, for example in trade and security of supply, and launched a programme to survey and develop the infrastructure as well as to improve logistics connections in northern Scandinavia.

2 Stability makes investing safe

Finland has one of the most reliable investing environments in the world. Strong democracy and Nordic welfare model guarantee predictable and fair services in the society for both individuals and businesses. Finns are considered honest, straightforward and solution oriented, which also shows in business culture in Raahe region.

3 Experience in major projects

New investors benefit from Raahe region’s wide understanding of big investment projects in several fields. Local officials offer strong support in navigating the regulatory framework and provide essential connections to ensure smooth progress in investment projects of all sizes.

4 Location is everything

Besides logistical benefits and working connections, Raahe region has great education and studying possibilities, charming living environment, cooperative networks, and versatile services for businesses. Thanks to region’s compact size, distances are shorter, building relationships is easier and reaching goals is faster.

5 Strong forerunners

Raahe region’s green transition investments are essential in meeting Finland’s carbon neutrality target by 2035. SSAB, the biggest steel producer in the Nordics, is renewing Raahe plant to hydrogen-based process to produce fossil-free steel. While the metal industry has been the region’s flagship over the past decades, newer sectors include for instance industrial wood construction and food industry.

 

New commercial city centre

 

Investment: housing, business and retail space

Phase: seeking project partners

City planning: completed, planned area approx. 3,5 hectares            
City plan Akm 245 Raahe commercial city centre, map (pdf)

Estimated schedule: 2024–2030

Investment size: total around 100 million euros

Key actors:

Description: The Old Town and nearby sea give Raahe city centre unique charm and characteristic. City parks are well cared for, public services near and the centre is easy to reach for pedestrians and vehicles alike. Event House Raahe, small boutiques, Raahe Theatre, hotels, restaurants and stores serve residents and visitors all in walking distance. In addition to new housing and commercial space planned in the city centre, building a new campus area for around 1000 students closer to the centre is under consideration.

City plan increased the building right to 8000 m2 floor area in OP bank’s block (23). The new building will have both commercial space and housing, the ratio and details are determined in project planning phase. OP’s own business premises will locate in the building. OP is currently seeking a partner to lead the project, acquire capital and leaseholders.

Osuuskauppa Arina (block 15) is planning to modernise retail store (max. 10 000 m2 floor area) and is open to bring new services to the premises with suitable partners. The renewal will start around 2025 and the total investment is around 5-10 million euros. Arina is also planning to build a new Prisma Shopping Center in Raahe 2024–2025.

MiiRA has several different size real estates in the city centre. Two of the sites for housing and commercial space are in block 20 (one block north from the park). Location is ideal for businesses and residents who appreciate city life, but still want to have a short distance to outdoor activities. Total investment is 30 million euros and presale for new partners is open now. Construction begins without delay once suitable partner is found.

Lapti’s site forms a new city square at the end of the promenade. The site includes 8 and 5 story buildings with diverse apartment assortment and business premises on the street level. City services are within walking distance and the highest floors have sea view. Estimated construction schedule is 2025-2028 and total investment around 14 million euros. Presale for new partners is open now.

Contacts:

  • OP, CEO Kalle Arvio, tel. +358 44 554 9999, kalle.arvio [at] op.fi
  • MiiRA, CEO Kalevi Niskala, tel. +358 44 771 3535, kalevi.niskala [at] rakennusmiira.fi
  • Osuuskauppa Arina, Business Location Manager Anne Niemi, tel. +358 44 788 6209, anne.niemi [at] sok.fi (anne[dot]niemi[at]sok[dot]fi)
  • Lapti, Area Manager Mikko Lohi, tel. +358 45 631 2946, mikko.lohi [at] lapti.fi (mikko[dot]lohi[at]lapti[dot]fi)
  • Lapti, Construction Manager Hannu Pihlajaviita, tel. +358 46 920 4408, hannu.pihlajaviita [at] lapti.fi (hannu[dot]pihlajaviita[at]lapti[dot]fi)

 

Illustrated pictures of the new buildings in the city centre.

New commercial city centre includes retail space and housing. City park from the late 1930’s and Finland’s second oldest promenade enrich the entity (1:17 min.). Video: The City of Raahe and FCG. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

 

Architect design of the buildings.

 

 

 

Marine housing area

 

Investment: housing

Phase: first building in presale in spring 2024

Estimated schedule: 2024–2030

Investment size: 100 million euros

City planning: completed, planned area approx. 5,9 hectares                     
City plan Akm 215 Kaupunginlahdenranta map (pdf)

Key actors: Rakennus MiiRA (local construction company of Miilukangas Group)

Description: The plan includes versatile and high-class options for living. Proximity to the sea, nature and city services are valuable assets. Seamless connection to the adjacent Pikkulahti recreation area offers residents exceptionally great outdoor activities. Sea and park views maximise cozy living. Estimated number of residents is over 900.

The total floor area for housing is 43 650 m2 and the plan has also reservation for a daycare centre for 100 children. Commercial services, such as local shops or other business premises, can locate on street level in blocks 3043, 3045 and 3036.

Construction of the area starts from block 3043, the block of flats closest to the canal. Presale is scheduled for spring 2024.

Contacts:

  • MiiRA, CEO Kalevi Niskala tel. +358 44 771 3535, kalevi.niskala [at] rakennusmiira.fi
  • Miilukangas, CEO Pekka Miilukangas tel. +358 50 417 7609, pekka.miilukangas [at] miilukangas.fi

The new marine housing area for nearly 1 000 people is located only 5 minutes from the city centre. Besides breathtaking views and beautiful nature, the city offers wide range of spare time activities (5:00 min.). Video: The City of Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

 

 

Green Port of Raahe

 

Investment: port infrastructure and development of port’s capabilities, capacities and facilities in relation with green transition

Phase: seeking investor partners

Estimated schedule: 2025–2030

Investment size: total around 200 million euros

City planning: largely completed

Key actors:

Description: Port of Raahe is the third busiest general cargo port in Finland with around 6 MTON annual volume, and one of the most Northern Sea Ports in Europe. The port’s future investments serve local and regional industries and have great value in advancing the green transition by providing a modern operating environment in strategic location for offshore wind power, green hydrogen economy and related value chains.

Port of Raahe consists of three year-round operating harbours: Lapaluoto harbour, Deep harbour, and SSAB industrial harbour. The industrial harbour is designated only for the operations of the steel company SSAB. Presently, there are eight covered warehouses with a total area of ca. 30 000 m2 and ca. 30 hectares of outdoor storage areas. The Port of Raahe can handle a large variety of cargo types, including dry bulk and large project cargoes such as windmill projects.

Finnish sea areas have remarkable potential for wind power production, which is also significant in reaching national sustainable energy goals. Port of Raahe plays a crucial role in growing wind power production. Offshore wind power capacity in Raahe region is even 23 GW (1500 turbines). Published new onshore and offshore projects in the region include capacity around 5,8 GW (500 turbines). Proactive and timely investments related to functional port infrastructure are essential to enable construction and operation of wind power production.

SSAB Raahe steel plant is the most important port user. SSAB is planning to transform its production to fossil-free by around 2030. The plan is to transform the site in Raahe into new cost-effective mini-mill, with electric arc furnaces, integrated rolling and further processing. The new production site requires also new facilities in the Port such as a new all-weather terminal (AWT) for 10 000 dwt vessels and terminals for SSAB steel products.    
 

Contacts:

  • Port of Raahe, Managing Director Seppo Vehkaoja tel. +358 44 972 9432, seppo.vehkaoja [at] raahe.fi (seppo[dot]vehkaoja[at]raahe[dot]fi)
Aerial of the port and list of investments.

 

New waves of development – offshore hub (1:21 min.). Video: The Port of Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

Introduction of the Port of Raahe, one of the busiest ports in Finland (2:13 min.). Video: The Port of Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

 

 

Pyhäjoki House

 

Investment: office building, business, public services

Phase: seeking project partners

City planning: completed, floor area 5182 m2 (option up to 9400 m2)

Architect design: Prof. Janne Pihlajaniemi

Estimated schedule: 2024–2030

Investment size: 30 million euros

Key actors: Pyhäjoki municipality

Description: Pyhäjoki House is a project to construct a multi-purpose facility in the center of Pyhäjoki, along the riverbank. This project already has an architectural plan. We are seeking future investors and implementers for the vibrant municipality of Pyhäjoki.

The architectural drawings and layout of Pyhäjoki House allow for an immediate start to the project. Alongside serving as a visitor center for the nuclear power plant, the building complex will feature cultural, sports, and leisure facilities, as well as accommodations, educational, and event venues. Pyhäjoki House will not only operate as a visitor center but also as a new hub for residents of Pyhäjoki, attracting new visitors and service users.

When it comes to the nuclear power plant, the construction site is already pre-built and zoned for energy production or other similar-scale industries in Pyhäjoki. Therefore, the foundation of Pyhäjoki House's business is already established.

Pyhäjoki is a municipality with approximately 3,000 residents situated on the coast of the Bay of Bothnia, 100 km from Oulu to southwest, adjacent to Raahe.

Contacts:

  • Pyhäjoki municipality, Municipal Mayor Matti Soronen, tel. +358 40 359 6001, matti.soronen [at] pyhajoki.fi
  • Pyhäjoki municipality, Economic Development and Vitality Tapani Tuominen tel. +358 40 359 6007, tapani.tuominen [at] pyhajoki.fi (tapani[dot]tuominen[at]pyhajoki[dot]fi)
Aerial of the location of the house.

 

Architect design of the house.


 

 

Tourist attractions

 

Investment examples: sauna village, accommodation, services

Description: Tourism is a rising sector in Raahe region, and it has plenty of possibilities for new actors. Sustainability plays a key role in developing the tourism industry in the area, as idyllic environment and delicate nature are the crown jewels of Raahe region.

The area is best known for Old Town Raahe, which is one of the best-preserved 19th-century wooden towns in Finland, and awarded Raahe archipelago only a short cruise from the town.

For instance, the sauna village is in Raahe city plan of Pikkulahti recreation area next to the new marine housing area. City plan Akm 240 Pikkulahti map (pdf), planned area approx. 42,5 hectares.

Contacts:

  • Visit Raahe Tourism Manager Terhi Eteläinen tel. +358 40 130 3884, terhi.etelainen [at] raahe.fi

Experience the luxury of pure nature, authenticity of the archipelago, peacefulness of the Old Town and idyllic countryside (2:24 min.). Video: Visit Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.

 

Relax and take in the mesmerizing atmosphere. In winter you can also visit the archipelago by foot, skiing, biking or snowmobile. (2:36 min.). Video: Visit Raahe. Watch the video in full size in a new tab.