Tallinn makes third attempt to find investor for Olympic swimming pool
Tallinn has launched an international tender for the construction of Estonia's largest swimming complex in Lasnamäe. This is the third try to attract a private investor, and if successful, the facility could open by the end of 2029.
Tallinn is once again attempting to realize one of the most anticipated sports projects of recent decades. The city has announced an international tender for an Olympic swimming pool in Lasnamäe, next to the Tondiraba Ice Hall. The complex would be Estonia's largest swimming facility, featuring a 50-meter Olympic pool, a training pool, a children's area, parking, and commercial infrastructure.
The project has a long history – serious talks began as early as 2004, and the last 50-meter pool in Tallinn was built 60 years ago. Tõni Meiel, a board member of the Estonian Swimming Union, noted that they have been waiting for 22 years.
The city has opted for a concession model: Tallinn will invest up to 20 million euros, while a private partner will build and operate the complex. Lasnamäe elder Miroslav Berezovsky (Centre Party) explained that this approach ensures proper management, as the city is not an operator, and the private sector can also provide SPA and other services.
However, the opposition criticizes this approach. The Social Democrats argue that it would be more practical to continue the previous city government's chosen project, where the pool would be city-owned. Former Lasnamäe elder Julianna Jurchenko (Social Democratic Party) recalled that the first tender failed because the private investor withdrew, and similar risks exist now. She believes the city could have built the pool itself for 20 million euros, avoiding these risks.
Centre Party members, in turn, claim the pool would have been ready long ago if the Social Democrats had not stalled the process when they came to power. Berezovsky expressed regret that they were in power.
Proposals from potential investors will be accepted until October 1. If the third attempt is successful, the long-awaited Olympic pool could open its doors at the end of 2029.
