As recently reported on this blog, one of the up and coming areas of Tallinn is the area surrounding the train station, merging into the Kalamaja and Pelgulinn neighbourhoods.
Our faith in this seems to be bearing fruit; according to a recent report by Ott Tammik on the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR) English language site, the City of Tallinn is drafting the very terms and conditions for the tender of architectural plans that will make this long yearned-for development become a reality.
The project has been in the offing for some 11 years, and will replace the existing Balti Jaama Turg (Train Station Market). Not surprisingly the developments are not unopposed – one point of contention is the reassigning of Reisijate Street, currently closed to traffic and taken up by much of the marketplace itself, as a traffic street, and the existing Kopli Steet to become a four lane thoroughfare, the report stated.
Currently traffic is undoubtedly congested, particularly at rush hour, since Kopli Street is a one way street along the stretch that passes the train station. New developments would require better road access.
Other dissenting or at least questioning voices, as well as market traders, include national rail carrier Eesti Raudtee who wish to preserve some rail sidings and have space for additional platforms in future, according to the report.
Previous architectural plans had met with objections due to apartment developments blocking the view of Toompea, the seat of the Estonian government and the highest point of the old town.
As noted on this blog the area where Telliskivi Street crosses train tracks adjacent to the station is already something of a bohemian quarter, with two or three successful restaurants and various other businesses.
The original report is available here.
Andrew Whyte
Tallinn Property by Goodson & Red
