Tallinn has started drafting a new master plan. This plan will guide the city's development for the next 25 years. The master plan determines where residential areas, businesses, and green spaces will be located.
Martin Karro, the head of urban planning, says the plan will help the city organize roads and utility networks. The master plan affects both vacant and developed land. For example, offices may be converted into residences.
Chief architect Andro Mänd says the last master plan was made 25 years ago. The city has changed a lot since then. The master plan creates a framework but does not obligate landowners to change their properties.
Mänd emphasizes that the master plan does not override existing construction rights. The city has autonomy in making spatial decisions. The plan is being drafted in cooperation with the state and private partners.
Karro says they plan to avoid overly precise decisions. Instead, principles for land use will be established. The master plan seeks greater flexibility.
Mänd cites Helsinki as an example, where a pixel system is used. This provides flexibility because the exact future is difficult to predict. Urban planning in Helsinki is successful.
In Tallinn, only 20% of the land is publicly owned, compared to 80% in Helsinki. This makes it easier to implement the master plan there. In Tallinn, more consideration must be given to private property owners.
Residents have submitted proposals such as a metro system and more green spaces. Building a metro may take years because it is a complex project. More emphasis is placed on rail traffic.
Mänd says that Tallinn aims to reduce car dependency. It is important to offer people more choices for mobility. The city's development will continue toward the city center, but there is a need for more local hubs.
Karro invites everyone to participate in the plan. Residents' proposals are taken seriously and used in the city's development.