Kontula


Kontula is a quarter of Helsinki, Finland, part of the Mellunkylä neighbourhood. Due to its little higher than average concentration of government tenant housing complexes, immigrant and refugee population it is regarded as an average eastern Helsinki suburb. Kontula has generally been considered one of the most notorious suburbs in East Helsinki largely due to prevailing incidents of violence and drug dealing.
Kontula was built mostly in the 1960s and 1970s when more housing was required in Helsinki. Many people from the city centre moved to Kontula.
The metro was expanded to Kontula in 1986, which made the area easy to reach. The Kontula Metro Station is daily used by 20,000 people.

Kontulan Ostoskeskus, the mall

Kontula offers services to its inhabitants. There are various grocery stores, banks, pharmacies and over 20 shops and around 20 bars, Kontulan Ostoskeskus opened in 1967. The Shopping Centre also includes the health centre, a library, a swimming pool, gym, and a skateboard hall.