Tallinn to Offer €20 Million Toward Private Lasnamäe Pool Development
The City of Tallinn is prepared to grant up to €20 million to a private developer for a long-planned swimming and spa complex in Lasnamäe. Opposition leaders criticize the model, arguing the city should build the facility itself.
Tallinn city officials have approved offering up to €20 million in investment subsidies to a private developer to construct a swim and spa complex in the Lasnamäe district, near the Tondiraba Ice Hall. The planned Olympic-size pool would accommodate training sessions, competitions, and recreational use.
Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik (Centre Party) announced that a public procurement is expected to be launched in late July or early August. The winner will be the bidder requesting the smallest subsidy from the city. For instance, a company seeking €15 million would beat one seeking €18 million.
Social Democrat councilor Kaarel Oja questioned the openness of the process, noting that a similar procurement previously attracted only one bidder—Capital Mill, which also designed the sports and aquatic center project. Oja claimed that Capital Mill's head start could discourage competition, as the company confidently demanded the maximum amount the city was willing to offer, with no other parties attempting to bid.
Terik dismissed suggestions of a predetermined outcome, stating that if a specific company wins, it reflects market conditions and the willingness of businesses to take on project risks. Oja further criticized the financing model, arguing that the city would effectively subsidize a private developer and later pay to use the facility for municipal needs, such as school swimming lessons, calling this arrangement "completely absurd."
