Tartu plans offices and homes on former industrial land

Tartu has launched a detailed plan for the Tartu Mill complex and nearby plots, paving the way for office and commercial buildings as well as apartment blocks on the former industrial land, ERR reports.

The four-hectare planning area covers plots at Lembitu 1b and Väike Kaare 41 and 41b. It lies behind the Lembitu Coop store and is bordered by a railway line. Under the city’s general plan, the area is intended for development, with industry to be moved out gradually over the longer term.

Some Tartu Mill operations are expected to remain. The plan would give the surrounding area a different character, including new offices and commercial buildings, with apartments making up as much as 40% of development, Deputy Mayor Kertu Vuks said.

Buildings could be three to six storeys high. Up to 10% of the area could include buildings of up to eight storeys as architectural accents. A more detailed design is expected within the next six months.

A preliminary assessment found no significant environmental impacts requiring a separate strategic assessment. However, noise mitigation measures will be needed because the development is close to the railway, Vuks said.

The plan is one of several recent developments proposed in or near central Tartu. New residential and commercial quarters are also planned on the current Zeppelin centre and old boiler house sites.

Kaisa Hiire, head of Domus Real Estate’s South Estonia region, said the market was looking for more space in the city centre, not only small student apartments but homes for families who want access to services and infrastructure within walking or cycling distance. She does not expect the developments to have a major effect on average property prices across the Tartu region.