Stockmann, Helsinki
Flagship department store
We partnered with Finnish retailer Stockmann to build a new parking facility at their flagship department store in the centre of Helsinki. As the city’s oldest and most prestigious department store, the parking facility needed to complement the quality of the retail experience, while delivering on both Stockmann’s and Q-Park’s dedication to customer service.
With the old car park located between the busiest streets in Finland, it was clear that the new facility would need to be built below the store. Construction took 39 months, and involved blasting through bedrock. The resulting facility is a perfect example of a column-free car park, with 600 parking spaces spread over three levels.
Stockmann department store - designed by Sigurd Frosterus, orgininally completed in 1930.
Innovation
Given the harsh winters Finland experiences – temperatures can drop to –30°C – air curtains were installed at both entrances to keep warm air inside the car park, and to prevent dust and exhaust fumes entering from outside. The floor of the facility was made from reinforced concrete, in order to withstand the spiked winter tires that motorists use for up to six months of the year.
The facility’s underground location has also helped reduce the number of cars on the street. The two entrances have reduced traffic jams and the number of motorists cruising for a parking space, cutting pollution levels and contributing to a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians.
Parking facility highlights include:
Three pedestrian access routes
Nine elevators
Free charging for electric cars
Three hours of free parking for disabled users and war veterans
Pick-up service (managed by the department store)
Wheel chair accessibility
Public toilet
Car wash
Customer service desk at the Q-Park lodge
Full range of additional Q-Park services, including the availability of an AED
A 1km long West tunnel avoids thousands of inner-city car trips.