The second major construction boom in Vuosaari took place in the 1980s, when first Meri-Rastila and then Kallahti were developed into residential districts with around 1000 new homes. The city planners envisioned a district of up to 55,000 residents for Vuosaari, but local residents protested. Altogether 15,500 people signed a petition opposing the ambitious plans. Eventually the massive new commercial harbour was built, but the number of residents was limited to 40,000 in co-operation with the company Paulig Oy.
This entailed the extension of the metro line to Vuosaari, as well as the construction of a proper centre based around the Columbus shopping centre and the Vuotalo cultural centre. The shopping centre, which was commissioned by Paulig, was designed by Tommila Architects and completed in 1996, while the cultural centre was designed by Heikkinen–Komonen Architects and completed along with the Mosaiikkitori “Mosaic Square” in 2001. The newest residential neighbourhood, Aurinkolahti, is still being developed beside the sea and will eventually be home to around 7000 residents.