Tallinn has announced an international tender. Its aim is to find a private entrepreneur who will build a new sports center in Lasnamäe. At the heart of the sports center will be an Olympic-standard swimming pool.
The tender seeks a partner to build the swimming pool complex. The complex must be suitable for international competitions. In addition to the pool, there must be supporting infrastructure and parking spaces. The city sets clear requirements for the quality of the pool and its public use. The private entrepreneur can design the rest of the building themselves.
The city will support the construction of the pool with up to 20 million euros. The pool is expected to be located near the Tondiraba Sports Hall. It must be accessible to all and suitable for organizing competitions.
The centerpiece of the swimming pool complex is a 50-meter pool with 10 lanes. In addition, there is a 25-meter pool and children's pools. Compared to the previous tender, the number of lanes in the 25-meter pool has been increased. Requirements for changing rooms and parking lots have also been clarified.
The private entrepreneur must build a parking lot with at least 300 spaces. The parking lot can be underground or above ground. The city wants the swimming pool complex to be open and well connected to the city.
The pool must be usable by many people. It must provide good conditions for both elite athletes and amateurs. Children's and youth swimming education is also important. School swimming lessons and training groups will have priority use.
The deadline for the tender is October 1, 2026. The contract is expected to be signed in early 2027. The pool should be completed within 34 months and open by the end of 2029.
Tender materials can be viewed in the public procurement registry starting July 27. Some politicians have criticized the construction of the pool. They believe it could lead to corruption.