Planning service networks
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Tampere is a growing city. As the population increases, the need for different services evolves. The aim is to ensure that people in Tampere continue to have access to good and well-functioning services in the future.
The city monitors demographic forecasts and proactively prepares for the services residents will need. This forward-looking approach is called service network planning.
On this page, we describe the service networks and planning related to kindergartens, schools, upper secondary schools, libraries, youth centres, cultural facilities as well as sports and leisure facilities in Tampere.
What is a service network
A service network refers to the entirety of a service and the facilities associated with it.
A service network plan outlines how and where services will be organised in the future. These plans anticipate future needs well in advance. It also takes into account the services provided by private operators.
Service network plans are high-level policy documents. For example, they can identify the need for a new youth centre in a growing area. Detailed plans for the premises and the services to be offered to young people will be developed only after a decision has been made to establish the new youth centre.
Examples of service networks
All the libraries in Tampere together form a library service network. In addition to the library buildings, it includes, for example, mobile libraries, online library services and home-delivered library services for the elderly and people with disabilies.
The network of youth centres includes not only youth facilities across the city, but also a virtual youth space on Discord and a mobile youth space (Liikkis).
The physical activity network, on the other hand, includes a wide range of facilities or locations. These include indoor sports facilities (sports halls, leisure centres, ball games halls), school sports halls, ice rinks, swimming pools, athletics and artificial grass pitches, swimming beaches, outdoor gyms and skate parks.
Multiprofessional work for residents
The City of Tampere works systematically to benefit its residents. Service network plans are based on the city's understanding of the population, changing service needs and existing service facilities, among other factors.
Service network planning ensures that residents have access to all statutory services, that these services meet the needs of Tampere residents, and that they support overall well-being.
The work involves a wide range of city professionals, including experts in urban planning, facility management, transport systems, green space planning, public transport, and finance. The multi-stage and multiprofessional planning process is carried out in close cooperation, as it requires coordination of schedules, plans, and decisions.
Example: Building a kindergarten in a new residental area
Establishing a kindergarten in a new residential area begins at the planning stage, when a plot of land is reserved for the kindergarten. The construction of a new kindergarten is included in the building and investment plan, as well as in the long-term budget. The early childhood and pre-school education service team is involved in the planning and prepares for the increase in operational and staffing costs.
A decision to build the kindergarten can be made even before the residental area is fully developed. However, actual construction will only begin once the area is under development and residents have moved in. As a result, it may take several years from the initial planning stage to the commissioning of the completed building.
Who decides on service networks
Decisions on service networks are made by the committees responsible for organising, providing, and developing services in their respective areas, in line with the city's strategy and budget.
The City Council makes decisions on service network projects exceeding EUR 10 million. It also makes decisions regarding the city's service network when it concerns activities falling under the remit of more than one committee.
The Education Committee decides on matters relating to kindergartens, pre-primary and primary education.
The Culture and Leisure Committee decides on the network of libraries, culture, youth and sports facilities.
The Competence and Economic Development Committee decides on the service network for upper secondary education.
Service network plans will be updated in 2025
In 2025–2026, the City of Tampere will update its service network plans for civic services.
Extensive data will be collected from various sources to support the update. For each service network, a current state analysis and an assessment of its functionality will be conducted. The updated plans will cover the same period up to 2040, based on the same population projections (2024–2040).
The updates will also take into account the laws, regulations, and agreements governing service provisions, as well as the city's strategy and the Mayor's Programme. The shared principles for service network planning will be revised as part of the process.
Residents, communities, city staff, and other stakeholders will be consulted throughout the update. Proposed future decisions will undergo an impact assessment of decisions, including a child impact assessment.
The City Council will decide on the joint service network plan in spring 2026.
