Virta Cultural Center, aerial view. — The cultural center was opened in 1986.

Planning for the renovation of the Virta Cultural Center is underway.

Repair work could begin in 2027.

Planning for the renovation of the Virta Cultural Center is underway. A needs assessment and project planning are currently underway.

The architectural firm Arkkitehdit Tommila Oy, which won the vision competition for the cultural center in the spring, has been selected as the designer. The firm is working on the plans in collaboration with the people working at the Cultural Center, the most active users, and the City of Imatra.

—We will find out what works and what doesn't in the current building, and what we would like to change. The goal is to update the cultural center to meet today's and future demands while preserving its valuable architecture, architect Miia-Liina Tommila Architects from Tommila Oy tell us.

The space use and service needs survey conducted in the spring forms the basis for the development of the project. Currently, work is being done with the people who work on the property every day. The views of the city residents will also be surveyed. still.

Next year is reserved for planning

The starting point for the design is the renovation of the current property, which was put into use in 1986. In practice, all the functions of the building will be renovated, including the main library, museums, the teaching facilities of the Virta-opisto, the Karelia Hall, the office and conference rooms of the building, and the building's building services, which will be updated.

Time has been set aside for planning work next year.

—The construction decision could be made towards the end of 2026. Before that, we will define a detailed plan and prepare, for example, a cost estimate, the facilities management manager Petri Nuutinen says.

During construction, the old city hall located next door will be used as a shelter.

—According to the preliminary estimate, emergency spaces will be needed for two years, but the matter will become more specific as the planning progresses, Nuutinen says.