The construction of a completely new kiosk has been delayed by a disagreement among decision-makers. The earliest the new kiosk could be completed is next year.
The construction of a completely new kiosk has been delayed by a disagreement among decision-makers. The earliest the new kiosk could be completed is next year.
The Ely Centre has lodged an appeal against the plans for the kiosk, which reportedly concerns a deviation from the building permit.
– “It was a quite remarkable perspective that came to the public eye,” says Wallin.
In Timo Wallin’s opinion, the price tag of the kiosk, which is just under half a million euros, has entered the public debate for no reason.
– The project was tendered and the cheapest was chosen. The lifespan of such a building is roughly 50 years, so it would have paid for itself many times over to the taxpayers. The price is completely in line with other public construction projects.
Mikael Ropo says that the price of the kiosk is simply too high.
– Basically, the operation must be profitable. Half a million is a lot of money.
No kiosk for next summer
According to Timo Wallin, a new kiosk building would also have been on the wish list of Pori residents. According to him, a year-round service building always comes up as the most common wish in surveys about the development of Kirjurinluoto.
– If it were this simple, there would certainly be year-round activity there. I doubt that the winter months would be quite challenging for entrepreneurs, whether the operation could be profitable, says Ropo.
The ely center’s rectification request for the kiosk project will be discussed next in the vitality and environment committee.
However, there will be no new kiosk for next summer. Timo Wallin is sorry about that. He also works as an entrepreneur in river cruise operations.
– This has a significant impact on cruise operations and our ability to provide employment. Yes, this is an outright disaster for us. I hate that tourism is being politicized.
Mikael Ropo believes that in the end a solution will be found that will please all parties.
– Tourism is no more politicized here than any other project. The task of the decision-makers is to pull the brakes if they are not going in the right direction.