Tallinn invites the public to help reimagine Ristiku Street
Tallinn is working together with the local community to redesign Ristiku and Härjapea streets, aiming to create a modern, green, and inclusive street space. A public discussion on Ristiku Street will take place on 10 June at 17:30 at Ristiku põhikool.
Although an existing construction project has been prepared for Ristiku Street, the local community has raised significant concerns, and the project turned out to be too costly considering the city’s current financial possibilities. The city is now seeking a suitable solution that balances budgetary constraints, community expectations, and improved street quality.
“Ristiku Street’s future will be shaped in collaboration with locals. We’ve received many concerned letters from residents, particularly about safety and noise. The previous city architect Endrik Mänd also criticised both the previous plan and the lack of community engagement. That’s why we’re now making a conscious effort to improve the process,” said Tallinn Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.
The project is currently being re-evaluated: the city is considering both revising the existing plan and creating a new one from scratch.
Discussion topics include reducing parking spaces and lowering the speed limit to create a calmer, safer, and quieter urban space for all users and residents.
Technical solutions (such as water and heating systems) must be redefined, and decisions made about the street’s functions. Based on community feedback, the city is considering wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, additional greenery, upgraded street lighting, and redesigned intersections.
“Given the serious shortcomings of the current project and changes in the city’s financial situation, we’re taking a step back to openly discuss user needs. If possible, we’ll reuse parts of the existing project, but we’re not bound by it. We invite all local residents to join the public discussion and help find the best way forward,” explained Aksel Johannes Part, Head of Urban Environment Planning at the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
Construction on Ristiku Street is expected to begin in 2026 at the earliest. Background information and earlier plans can be found at https://www.tallinn.ee/et/ristikutn.
“Ristiku Street’s future will be shaped in collaboration with locals. We’ve received many concerned letters from residents, particularly about safety and noise. The previous city architect Endrik Mänd also criticised both the previous plan and the lack of community engagement. That’s why we’re now making a conscious effort to improve the process,” said Tallinn Deputy Mayor Pärtel-Peeter Pere.
The project is currently being re-evaluated: the city is considering both revising the existing plan and creating a new one from scratch.
Discussion topics include reducing parking spaces and lowering the speed limit to create a calmer, safer, and quieter urban space for all users and residents.
Technical solutions (such as water and heating systems) must be redefined, and decisions made about the street’s functions. Based on community feedback, the city is considering wider sidewalks, dedicated bike lanes, additional greenery, upgraded street lighting, and redesigned intersections.
“Given the serious shortcomings of the current project and changes in the city’s financial situation, we’re taking a step back to openly discuss user needs. If possible, we’ll reuse parts of the existing project, but we’re not bound by it. We invite all local residents to join the public discussion and help find the best way forward,” explained Aksel Johannes Part, Head of Urban Environment Planning at the Tallinn Urban Environment and Public Works Department.
Construction on Ristiku Street is expected to begin in 2026 at the earliest. Background information and earlier plans can be found at https://www.tallinn.ee/et/ristikutn.