The justification states that all levels of education from an early childhood education and care centre to university, a wide range of commercial and public services and a strong employment cluster create an everyday life where almost everything is within walking distance.
– Hervanta is a unique hub for students, technology and research. Hervanta is one of Tampere's best-known districts, and for good reason. Ratikka has only strengthened the area's position even further. We are very proud of this recognition, says Ilmari Nurminen, Mayor of Tampere.
Hervanta is close to nature and offers a wide range of other sporting opportunities. On the other hand, the tram line has linked Hervanta more closely to the rest of the urban structure. Despite this, the district has retained its own identity.
The heart of Hervanta lies in its sense of community. Vibrant associations, its own newspaper, the Hervannan Sanomat, and a rich cultural life bring residents together across age, background and district boundaries. Hervanta Days, Fest events, open community evenings and nature-based encounters create a space for inclusion and togetherness.
The theme of the District of the Year competition this year was "a district for everyone". Through this theme, the Federation wants to highlight equal, inclusive and community-based districts and the development of the area in a way that takes into account all residents and different groups. The aim was to create a district where everyone can live a good everyday life – regardless of background, age, language, ability or income.
– Cultural diversity is one of Hervanta's greatest strengths, with over 100 nationalities living in the area and cultural diversity reflected in everyday life, services and events. Schools and students feed the area's youthfulness and new perspectives, while long-standing residents and active residents' associations create continuity, says the justification.
The Finnish Local Heritage Federation received 91 nominations for District of the Year this year. The nominations covered 50 districts in 11 different cities. The theme appealed to the people of Pirkanmaa, as the province, and Tampere in particular, received a large number of nominations this year for a number of different districts.
The Finnish Local Heritage Federation is the central organisation for local heritage work and one of the largest non-governmental organisations in the country. It promotes cultural diversity and cultural heritage, highlights local cultures, supports local heritage work and influences social and regional planning. Its membership includes some 720 local history, district and other associations, more than 100 municipalities and almost all provincial associations.
Hervanta is a city in the city – the result of thoughtful and successful urban planning, which in 50 years has grown to meet its original vision in a changed world. All levels of education from an early childhood education and care centre to university, a wide range of commercial and public services and a strong employment cluster create an everyday life where almost everything is within walking distance. Surrounding nature and a wide range of sports facilities provide an excellent setting for an active lifestyle. The tram line has linked Hervanta more closely to the rest of the urban structure, but at the same time the district has retained its own identity. This combination makes Hervanta a distinctive, accessible and genuinely inclusive area.
The heart of Hervanta lies in its sense of community. Vibrant associations, its own newspaper, the Hervannan Sanomat, and an eventful cultural life bring residents together across age, background and district boundaries. Hervanta Days, Fest events, open community evenings and nature-based encounters create a space for inclusion and togetherness. Residents' voices are listened to and invited to participate in the planning and community activities of the area, together with the City of Tampere, The Wellbeing Services County of Pirkanmaa, third sector actors, the parish, businesses and service providers. Hervanta is therefore an excellent example of inclusion and cooperation across sectors. Hervanta is not just a place to live, but a joint project of which we are proud.
Cultural diversity is one of Hervanta's greatest strengths: more than 100 nationalities live in the area, and cultural diversity is reflected in everyday life, services and events. Schools and students feed the area's youthfulness and new perspectives, while long-time residents and active residents' associations create continuity. The prosperity of the district has brought new players and investment without breaking the fundamental idea of a shared urban space. Hervanta is a concrete example of how a diverse population can live and work together – making it an excellent choice for the District of the Year under the theme "District for All".
