Finland's housing minister visits groundbreaking Garden City towns for inspiration

Two pioneering Hertfordshire towns could be the inspiration for Finland’s future housing settlements, it was revealed today.

Housing minister for Finland Jan Vapaavuori toured Letchworth Garden City and Welwyn Garden City during a two day visit to the area.

The Finnish government is looking to build thousands of new homes in the next 20 years – some in the garden city-style.

Many of the homes will be required in the Helsinki sub region and a high proportion will need to be affordable either through rent or shared ownership.

The Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, based in Telford, was invited to meet the Minister because of its reputation for successful social and community involvement. 

Graeme Bell, Chair of Trustees of the Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation, said the Garden City design could easily be applied in development schemes abroad.

“The garden cities have always been exemplars of pioneering design and community and social involvement,” he said. “Principles which can be applied both here and abroad in any development scheme.”

“The Neighbourhood Initiative Foundation was delighted to be called on to assist in this official visit and to share views on the importance of involving the community in the planning of new developments.”

During the visit, the Minister was also presented with a reprint of the Ebenezer Howard book ‘Tomorrow – a peaceful path to real reform’.

The book, published in 1899, outlines the case for Garden Cities and was presented by Mr Bell.

The Minister was joined on the visit on Monday 2nd June by a delegation, including developers, bankers and social housing providers.