Mayor: Tallinn to proceed with Linnahall arena project even without Tallink

TALLINN – Tallinn Mayor Mihhail Kolvart said on the Vikerhommik program of ERR public radio on Tuesday that the city intends to proceed with the project of reconstructing the Linnahall arena despite shipper Tallink's economic difficulties arising from the travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the mayor, already when concluding the memorandum of understanding with Tallink, it was noted that there is also an alternative plan. "We are still applying for a permit from the European Commission to invest in it. Hopefully this permit will come this year and when it does, we want to start this project," Kolvart said.

The mayor added that the total budget of the project is about 120 million euros, of which 40 million euros are provided for in the state budget strategy.

Kolvart emphasized that in his view, the Linnahall area should definitely be put in order. Among other things, he sees an opportunity to revive tourism in the planned concert hall and conference center, which, according to the mayor, is currently of existential significance for Tallinn.

Tallink Grupp and Tallink's major shareholder Infortar at the end of February last year signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Tallinn for the reconstruction of the Linnahall arena, the investment was estimated at approximately 300 million euros at that time.

It was planned to build a conference and concert center with up to 5,000 seats and, behind the arena, a Tallink passenger port and terminal infrastructure with the necessary berths and infrastructure.