The construction of the new Kullo Hobby Center building is set to begin soon. Tallinn Property Department has signed a contract with AS Merko Ehitus Eesti for the construction of the building and officially handed over the construction site to the contractor today. This will be a significant multi-functional building for the Kristiine district, providing both learning spaces for the hobby school and broader community use.

Kullo is Estonia’s oldest and largest extracurricular activity cente, serving 2,400 students of various ages. However, the building, constructed in the 1970s, no longer met modern standards. The outdated structure will be demolished by April, making way for a contemporary complex where more than half of the space will be dedicated to Kullo’s educational and work facilities. The remaining areas will be shared by the Kristiine Youth Center and a library, offering diverse recreational opportunities for the community.

Deputy Mayor Viljar Jaamu emphasized that the new Kullo building will serve as a unifying community hub. “It will be an open and inspiring environment where creativity, extracurricular activities, and community life come together. In addition to the hobby center’s learning spaces, the building will also house a youth center, library, café, and an entrepreneurship village for children and young people. The facility will feature multiple halls and a gallery for hosting various events. This means that approximately 3,000 people will use the building each week, making it a vibrant community center whose impact may be even greater than we can currently foresee,” said Jaamu.

To find a comprehensive architectural solution for the new building and its surrounding Löwenruh Park, an architectural competition was held in 2021. The winning design, Päike ("Sun"), was created by KUU OÜ and Nikita Atikin OÜ, with architects Koit Ojaliiv and Kristel Niisuke.

Jaan Mäe, Chairman of the Board of Merko Ehitus Eesti, highlighted that investing in children and the community is the best way to shape the future. “The new Kullo will be an architecturally outstanding building. For the construction team, this means a structurally complex project and an exciting challenge. We are delighted to contribute to ensuring that children’s hobby education and community life in the area can soon thrive in a modern environment,” added Mäe.

In addition to the building itself, the outdoor areas have been designed for public use and are seamlessly integrated with Löwenruh Park, making the area even more accessible and attractive. A long-awaited 300-seat concert hall will provide new opportunities for cultural and community events. The solution has been developed with input from local residents to ensure it meets their needs. The hobby center will be easily accessible by public transport and bicycle.

The construction contract is valued at €24.86 million, excluding VAT. It includes the demolition of the existing Kullo building and the construction of a new four-story facility with a net floor area of approximately 12,000 square meters. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2026.