The Tallinn City Government has wanted to use the former agricultural ministry building as a school for several years. The building is located at Lai 39/41. So far, the city and the state have not reached an agreement.
Last week, Tallinn's Deputy Mayor for Education Andrei Kante wrote to the ministry. He requested that the state give the building to Tallinn for free. The city wants to establish a new school in the city center.
A spokesperson for Riigi Kinnisvara AS (RKAS) said that in January, there was a meeting between RKAS, Tallinn City, and the Old Town Educational College. No decisions were made yet. Discussions about the use of the building continue.
The city has wanted the building for a long time. However, no agreement has been reached with the state regarding the price.
In July 2023, Tallinn submitted an application to receive the building for free. The Ministry of Finance responded that free transfer is not in line with the state's objectives.
In December 2024, Tallinn approached the Ministry of Finance again. The city asked them to consider transferring the building for free, citing educational needs.
The city explained that the Old Town Educational College operates in six buildings. The building at Lai 39/41 would allow consolidating students into one location. Additionally, a new school could be established, adding 1,200 students.
Tallinn proposed that the state give the building for free to improve the educational network. The Ministry of Finance responded that it does not see the need for a free transfer.
Tallinn offered RKAS a building right fee of 110,000 euros per year. RKAS, however, proposed seven percent of the land's value. The city found this too high.
The city clarified that the building should not be returned as an office building but as a functional educational institution. Discussions between RKAS and Tallinn did not lead to an agreement.