City Blues

In the City Blues project, we are preventing the negative effects of climate change. We are developing nature-based solutions for managing floods and rainwater and meltwater, i.e., stormwater.

During the project, we will create a joint operating model for involving stakeholders in improving the condition of urban streams and lakes and managing stormwater using nature-based solutions.

In addition to the City of Tampere, the international project involves the cities of Aarhus, Malmö, and Tartu, as well as the research institutes Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin, Taltech, and the University of Stavanger. The project will run from November 1, 2023, to October 31, 2026.

The Tampere pilot area is located in Takahuhti

The Tampere pilot site is located along Vuohenoja in the Varsanpuisto and Huhmarpello area, approximately five kilometers from the city center. The area is used for recreational purposes and includes scenic fields and farmland.

Pilot objectives

• We will reduce flooding near Lake Iidesjärvi and in the Viinikanoja catchment area.
• We are increasing biodiversity.
• We will combat invasive species.
• We will enable the natural reproduction of trout.
• We will develop the area as a recreational area for local residents and other users.

Pilot schedule and progress

Year 2024

• The general planning of the site began in early 2024.
• The general plan was on display in May and was approved on June 11.
• More detailed construction plans were completed in October.
• The old pedestrian bridge in Varsanpuisto was renovated in November as a separate project.

Year 2025

• Preparations for the construction site began in January.
• Earthworks and finishing work were carried out during the spring and summer.
• The construction site was completed on schedule in June.
• Planting and sowing will take place in the summer and fall of 2025.

Year 2026

• Additional sowing will be carried out in the area as needed.

Participation of residents and stakeholders

Upcoming events

There are currently no upcoming events.

Past events

• We organized a volunteer event to build a trout spawning ground in the lower reaches of the Vuohenoja River on August 16, 2025.
• We organized a seedling planting event on May 12, 2025, and October 7, 2025, in Varsanpuisto.
• The general plan was on display from May 13 to 26, 2024.
• On March 19, 2024, we organized a residents' meeting at the Irjala daycare center, and the feedback and ideas from the meeting have been reviewed and taken into account in the planning.

The City Blues project has received funding from the European Union's Interreg program for the Baltic Sea region.