Tallinn's Olympic Pool Plan Draws Criticism from Social Democrats
Tallinn plans to allocate up to €20 million from the city budget to a private developer to build an Olympic-standard swimming pool with a spa in the Lasnamäe district. The opposition Social Democrats criticize the concession model, arguing the tender is predetermined in favor of Capital Mill and the city could build the pool itself for a similar amount.
Tallinn Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik (Centre Party) told ERR that the city intends to announce a tender for a private contractor for the pool construction at the end of July or early August. According to a city council decision made years ago, the winning developer will receive an investment subsidy of up to €20 million.
Terik explained that the tender will be won by the bidder requesting the smallest subsidy. If one company asks for €18 million and another for €15 million, the latter will win.
Social Democrat Kaarel Oja argued that it is already clear the concession tender will be won by Capital Mill, the company that developed the project. This same firm built the Skyoni building on Maakri Street. Oja noted that in similar tenders over the past two years, only Capital Mill submitted a bid, as other potential bidders saw no chance due to the developer's advantage.
Terik dismissed the claim that the outcome is predetermined, saying the result will reflect market conditions and companies' willingness to take risks.
Oja criticized the approach, stating that the city is essentially giving millions to a private developer and will then have to pay rent for using the pool, as municipal institutions need it. He called this "complete absurdity."
