Project objective and results:
The aim of the project is the construction of Rail Baltica Tallinn Ülemiste Passenger Terminal Phase II and Pärnu International Passenger Terminal Phase I and local stops.
Project summary:
Construction of buildings and infrastructure necessary for the safe and primary functional operation of Rail Baltica’s international passenger terminals in Tallinn and Pärnu, as well as local stops.
The Rail Baltica Ülemiste Passenger Terminalwill create a versatile and vibrant transport hub and a new urban landmark integrating commercial space, public services and architectural solutions. The architectural focus of the building is on mobility and the seamless integration of traffic flows. The open and dynamic environment is driven by the trajectories of human movement and allows for an abundance of light. The most challenging part of the project will be the construction of the terminal’s ground floor over the railway.
Zaha Hadid Architects and Esplani’s joint project “Light Stream” won the architecture competition for the Ülemiste Terminal. The architectural focus is on combining smooth flows of movement and an open and dynamic environment. Construction works started in 2022. The entire building is expected to be completed by 2028. The terminal has already been given a name – “Linda” – in a public call for tenders.
The visual and physical connection between pedestrian, public transport and other areas gives the building a strong identity and highlights the specificity of each area.
Special attention will be paid to the design of the terminal’s hall. The entrances will be from the north and the south, and the building will be like a bridge over the railway, creating an open space for passengers where different routes meet. A simple and comprehensible path of movement and a smooth visual guidance of passengers will be the basis of the overall design.
The new rail terminal is designed to be user-friendly, with a comfortable interior, durable and energy-efficient.
The Rail Baltica Pärnu International Passenger Terminal will be located about 4 km from the centre of Pärnu in the Papiniidu area, between the Via Baltica and the Pärnu River. The architectural concept for the terminal was the result of an international architectural competition, which attracted 31 entries. The winning design was Water Strider, by Indrek Allmann, Jaan Jagomägi, Gunnar Kurusk, Tanno Tammesson and Holden Vides of Arhitektuuribüroo Pluss OÜ. The design work was also carried out by Arhitektuuribüroo Pluss OÜ.
The terminal building has been designed above the railway and platforms, and is connected by galleries that provide passengers with both excellent views and comfort in bad weather. The building is designed to meet the classic needs of a terminal, such as waiting rooms, ticket office and catering. A 90-seat lounge is planned, as well as a cafeteria, information desks and other facilities to serve passengers. Roads, plazas and landscaping around the terminal will cover an area of approximately 6 hectares.
The passenger terminal area also includes stops for various buses, bicycle parking, taxi ranks, parking for 150 cars. There will also be charging points for electric cars and connections for light transport.
Rail Baltica’s local stops will give the international railway a wider range of uses. According to the plan, there will be twelve local stops on the Estonian section. The potential of rail-side settlements as a place to live will increase, as fast and efficient public transport will bring jobs in major centres closer to home.
The project is co-financed by the European Union and the total eligible cost of the project is EUR 65 035 294,00, of which the Cohesion Fund co-financing rate is 85% (i.e. a maximum of EUR 55 280 000,00) and the national co-financing rate is at least 15% (i.e. a minimum of EUR 9 755 294,00).
