Strawberry to open new hotel in Finnish Frenckell paper mill

International news
Hotel operator Strawberry is preparing to enter the Tampere market with a new site in the former Frenckell paper mill in Finland. Scheduled to open in 2028, the project will be the group’s first hotel in the city.

Interior design work for the 168 rooms and suites has been assigned to Finnish agency Fyra.

The building’s owner, Aare Invest, called the scheme a “significant milestone” in the long-term redevelopment of the area.

At the centre of the hotel will be a 400m² lobby area, which will bring together reception, bar, lounge, co-working facilities and retail space.The space is also intended to host music performances and other events in the evening.

Food service will be built around two separate restaurant concepts.

In addition, the site will include a 1,400m² courtyard for outdoor dining and social use in warmer seasons.

The plans also include a spa and wellness section of more than 600m² with a gym, saunas and treatment rooms, alongside 800m² of adaptable meeting and event space.

Strawberry founder Petter Stordalen said: “In Tampere, we are going to prove that the new luxury isn’t about gold and marble, but about energy, culture, and people coming together. Frenckell won’t just be a hotel; it will be a beating heart in the city that belongs to everyone.”

Vidhya Edwards Munnangi