Tallinn plans mixed-use redevelopment of ERR’s old television complex

Tallinn has launched a detailed plan for the former television complex of Estonian Public Broadcasting, or ERR, which would replace the site with three- to five-storey residential, commercial and public buildings and one accent building of up to eight storeys, ERR reported.

The current television complex at 10 F. R. Faehlmanni Street and 27 Gonsiori Street will lose its existing function once ERR’s new television building is completed. Construction of the new building is still under way, and ERR is scheduled to move out of the old buildings during 2028.

The sale of the property will begin this autumn. Revenue from the sale is an important source of funding for the technical equipment of the new television building.

Tallinn Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik said the city wanted to transform the large and massive complex into a new, well-structured mixed-use urban space with public and residential functions. The plans were prepared by the office of Tallinn’s chief architect and Kadarik Tüür Architects.

Under the plan, commercial and public buildings must account for at least 50 percent of the development, while residential space may make up no more than 50 percent. Terik said the planned amount of housing could bring about 230 new residents to the area.

The ground floors would be designed for active commercial and public uses. The city is also considering creating premises for a branch library serving Tallinn’s city centre.

New pedestrian and cycling routes are planned through the quarter, along with a neighbourhood square at the intersection of Faehlmanni, Terase and Kollase streets. Connections towards Politseipark, the Central Market and the tram stop on Tartu Road would also be improved.

The Estonian Television building, the representative section along Gonsiori Street and the entrance would be preserved and restored. The northeastern section, towards the intersection of Kollase and Faehlmanni streets, would be built lower to create a smoother transition to the heritage-value Raua neighbourhood and preserve sunlight for the planned city square.

Green space would account for at least 30 percent of the site, while the mature trees along Gonsiori Street would be preserved. A public pedestrian and light-traffic route would cross the property diagonally.

Most parking would be provided in underground garages. Short-term parallel parking spaces are planned along Faehlmanni Street. An architectural competition will be held for the new buildings.

A survey of the greenery and a noise study will be conducted before the detailed plan is approved. New buildings must include a shelter meeting the requirements of Estonia’s building legislation.

The studies and preparation of the detailed plan are scheduled for 2027. The plan is expected to be accepted at the end of 2027 or the beginning of 2028 and approved in 2028. After the plan has been initiated, ERR can begin the sales process in cooperation with the Uus Maa real estate firm, which won the procurement.