According to Mayor Mihhail Kõlvart, the architectural goal of Tallinn is to connect the seaside area to the Old Town and the city centre using new urban spaces, green areas, and public transportation. "The coastline should be open to the city and actively engaging with it. In the future, one could walk uninterrupted on a promenade from Pirita to Paljassaare. Linnahall once served as a bridge to the sea; according to the new vision, it's not just one structure leading to the sea but opening the Old Town and city centre to the sea as a whole through public spaces and street networks," said Kõlvart.

The vision aims to craft a new public space, with a central focus on a renewed Linnahall, a library, parks, water features and fountains. This vision presents a comprehensive human centered design for the area between Kalasadam and Vanasadam. Five central city streets would extend to the seaside, and in connecting the seaside with the Old Town, Mere puiestee would also undergo spatial reconfiguration. Additionally, the Bastion belt would also reach the seaside, resulting in four distinct parks. Tallinn's lengthy coastline would be accentuated by a shallow canal connected to the sea in the heart of the city. The area's centerpiece will be the renewed Linnahall, serving as both a concert hall and conference center, featuring a walkable roof with panoramic views of the sea and city. In addition, a new library is envisioned for the area. The neighbourhood will be integrated with the city-wide public transport network.

"The city’s current coastal vision is a starting point and an invitation for future discussions. This discussion invites architects, urban experts, developers, and residents to participate. Of course, the actual solution for Linnahall can only be achieved in collaboration with the Estonian National Heritage Board and experts," Kõlvart added. 

The area is designed to be functionally diverse: about 60,000 m² is intended for public buildings and nearly 30,000 m² for retail and services. In addition, about 15,000 m² is envisioned for office spaces and 8,000 m² for accommodation.

A detailed architectural vision has been drawn up for the properties owned by the city. In addition to the City of Tallinn, the landowners of the area are AS Tallinna Sadam and two private developers. The vision is to be implemented in stages over approximately ten years.

After discussions, the city aims to initiate new detailed planning. A public competition will be organized to involve investors, and architectural competitions will be organized for public buildings.

Pictures and videos of the new coastal vision can be found at www.tallinn.ee/merevisioon.

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