TornioHaparanda is a unique twin city on the border between Finland and Sweden. The goal of the masterplan is to create a physical connection representing the borderless mentality of the area. A series of strategies is introduced, to create a resilient environment adapting to future megatrends.

The schematic master plan for the Europan 14 -area is based on the winning entry of the Europan 14 -competition called ”Two Cities One Heart” (TREA 2017). The master plan features a new neighbourhood that is located at the riverfront of Tornionjoki.

This new neighbourhood functions as a way to stitch together the urban fabric on each side of the national border. The most essential intervention of the plan is transforming the highway E4 into an urban boulevard. The urban fabric along this boulevard is significantly densified, and the profile of the highway is completely transformed into a street. Along the urban boulevard the ground floors of new buildings include flexible double-height raw spaces that cater for businesses and new modes of production and working. The great location on the busy national border crossing ensures visibility and showcases local innovations. Connecting the new functions along the riverfront is the Loop - a route attaching to existing functions of the city centres on both sides of the border. The developed master plan is loyal to the basic principles of the competition entry.

A more detailed master plan (2019) has been created for the southernmost blocks on Tornio side of the national border. The planning work for these blocks includes for example studies for inserting a new hotel building in this area. For the Rajakaari park, a new preliminary concept called the Energy Park has been created. This concept combines a new gas station and other functions related to showcasing renewable energy solutions as part of a unique visitor attraction.