Viru Keskus and Tallinn have made an agreement. Initially, the city was supposed to pay 75% of the repair costs and Viru Keskus 25%. But now Viru Keskus has promised to pay more.
The head of Viru Keskus, Enn Parel, says this is a good opportunity for the city. The city gets private sector funding, and the project will be completed faster. The sidewalk renovation is not a particularly important business project for Viru Keskus. Parel says it will help make Tallinn’s city center more beautiful and safer.
The area near Estonia puiestee is important for pedestrians and cyclists. It connects the bus stop, downtown shops, Tammsaare Park, and the Old Town. Viru Keskus has already spent money on the project—around €50,000. They now want to find a solution so the project doesn’t drag on too long.
Some members of the Tallinn city government think this project is not currently important. They say it’s just a beauty project. But Viru Keskus disagrees. Parel says this area is important and currently not safe.
Tallinn initially promised to pay €350,000 for the project, but now it doesn’t want to. Viru Keskus is surprised by this and thinks it’s a bad decision.