Tallinn wants to build a large sports center in Lasnamäe. It would include sports halls, a spa, and an Olympic-standard swimming pool.
This project started in 2019. In July, Tallinn announced a tender to find a private company to build the sports center.
The mayor, Peeter Raudsepp, said the tender has now been canceled. The Ministry of Finance wanted to review the tender. Raudsepp said this could lead to lengthy procedures.
The Ministry of Finance had questions about the tender conditions and competition. Raudsepp disagreed with them, but the city did not want to take risks. Therefore, the tender model was changed to increase competition.
Tallinn still wants to build Estonia’s first Olympic-standard swimming pool. It would be beneficial for athletes, amateurs, and children alike.
With the new tender, developers will have more freedom. The main requirements remain the same: a 50-meter pool, a 25-meter pool, training pools, and parking.
Deputy Mayor Tiit Terik said several companies are interested in the tender. However, the city does not want to risk long procedures. The new tender will establish clear rules before work begins.
Tallinn will allocate up to 20 million euros for the project. This is less than building a complete municipal pool.
Due to the new tender, the completion of the swimming pool will be postponed to next year. Additionally, new construction requirements could make the project more expensive.
The Social Democrats have criticized the swimming pool plan. Former mayor Jevgeni Ossinovski said the tender was poorly prepared. He recommended terminating the project and starting anew.