Hervanta's landmark Wanha Bensis petrol station set for demolition

A newly published zoning proposal, reported by Tamperelainen, would remove the long‑standing Wanha Bensis service station, located north of Hervanta centre and south of Orivedenkatu, and replace it with 3–7‑storey housing, retail and office blocks for about 650 new residents. Fuel distribution at the site would end, and the empty service building that became a local landmark after opening in the mid‑1970s as E‑Öljy and later operating under Finnoil would be demolished. Antti and Kaija Eskola, who ran the café, self‑service laundry and other services there, stopped operating the station at the end of 2024. The site’s tanks are currently used by Neste.

Planners have trimmed earlier ambitions. A previously proposed tall tower has been dropped, and costly deck structures across the main arterial road were removed from the draft because of budget and stormwater concerns. A bridge would provide pedestrian and cycling access over the highway. The proposal, shaped by earlier feedback on traffic arrangements and active travel safety, is due to be placed on public display. If the community board approves it at Tuesday’s meeting, it can move on to the city board and city council for final decisions, contingent on related implementation agreements.

It is one of several recent planning initiatives in the district, following a September draft that proposed high‑rise infill at Ahvenispolku and Insinöörinkatu.