The goal of Tallinn’s Old Town development plan is to create a high-quality living environment where cultural heritage is preserved, and entrepreneurship supports an active cultural life. To achieve these goals, the development plan also outlines the most important activities for the coming years. A public presentation of the development plan will take place this Thursday, January 30.
According to Deputy Mayor Madle Lippus, the development plan has provided an excellent opportunity to thoroughly rethink the values and potential of the Old Town. “The basis for the development plan is to advance the Old Town as a residential area that is attractive and meets contemporary needs. Based on this, we are already reconstructing public spaces for better accessibility on Uus Street and planning a kindergarten in the Old Town. Following the 15-minute city concept, daily essential services must be located close to people’s homes,” said Lippus. She added that a vibrant local community is also crucial from UNESCO’s perspective, as the uniqueness of the Old Town lies in its continued use as a residential environment.
The plan’s priority is to increase the Old Town’s attractiveness as a pleasant and active living environment. The number of local residents will grow if the Old Town offers a community-supportive living environment that also enlivens the entire urban space. This development enriches the everyday life of locals and makes the Old Town more diverse and interesting for visitors. The plan allows for adjustments during its implementation period.
The development plan sets specific goals: to increase the actual population of the Old Town by reducing fictitious and commercially motivated registrations; to expand the number of cultural, sports, recreational, and educational institutions in the Old Town; to ensure that Old Town residents are satisfied with the living environment and the accessibility of services; to provide most residents with essential services within walking distance, meaning that services can be reached within 15 minutes; and to increase the proportion of cultural institutions, retail spaces focused on selling cultural products, circular economy-oriented businesses, and spaces for creative activities.
The plan complies with the management principles established for UNESCO World Heritage sites. The public consultation will last throughout February, and simultaneously the plan will be sent to UNESCO for approval. After feedback is collected and necessary changes are made, the city government will adopt the plan. The city’s goal is to implement the priorities of the development plan in the planning of the next city budget.
The Old Town Development Plan will be available for review until February 28, 2025, on the Tallinn Urban Planning Department’s website in Estonian language (www.tallinn.ee/et/ehitus/vanalinna-arengukava-2035) or in print on weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00 at the Heritage Conservation Department of the Urban Planning Department (Raekoja plats 12). The public presentation of the development plan for all interested parties will take place on Thursday, January 30, at 17:00 at the Avalinn public engagement center (Vabaduse väljak 10).
Source: tallinn.ee