Project objective and results:
The aim of the project is to build Rail Baltica Tallinn Ülemiste Passenger Terminal Phase II and Pärnu International Passenger Terminal Phase I, as well as local stops.
Project summary:
Construction of buildings and infrastructure necessary for the safe and initial functional operation of the Rail Baltica Tallinn and Pärnu international passenger terminals as well as local stops.
Rail Baltica Ülemiste passenger terminali will create a diverse and vibrant transport hub and a new landmark in the urban space, integrating commercial spaces, public services and architectural solutions. The architectural focus of the building is directed towards movement and the smooth connection of movement flows. The open and dynamic environment is based on people's movement trajectories and allows plenty of light into the space. The most challenging part of the project will be the construction of the terminal's main floor over the railway.
The winner of the architectural competition for the Ülemiste terminal was Zaha Hadid Architects and Esplani joint work “Light Stream”. The architectural focus is on connecting smooth movement flows and an open and dynamic environment. Construction work began in 2022, and the entire building should be completed by 2028. The name for the terminal – “Linda” – was already chosen during a public competition.
The visual and physical connection of pedestrian, public transport and other areas gives the building a strong identity and emphasizes the uniqueness of each area.
Special attention will be paid to the design of the terminal hall. Entrances will be from the north and south, and the building will act as a bridge over the railway, creating a spacious space for passengers where different routes meet. A simple and understandable path of movement and smooth visual guidance for passengers are the basis of the entire design.
The railway terminal to be created is designed to be user-friendly, with a comfortable interior, durable and energy-efficient.
Rail Baltica Pärnu International Passenger Terminal will be located approximately 4 km from the center of Pärnu in the Papiniidu area between Via Baltica and the Pärnu River. The architectural concept of the passenger terminal came as a result of an international architectural competition, within the framework of which 31 works were submitted. The architectural competition was won by the concept design Water Strider, the authors of which are Indrek Allmann, Jaan Jagomägi, Gunnar Kurusk, Tanno Tammesson and Holden Vides from Arhitektuuribüroo Pluss OÜ. The design work was also carried out by Arhitektuuribüroo Pluss OÜ.
The terminal building is designed above the railway and waiting platforms and is connected by galleries, which provide passengers with both excellent views and comfort in bad weather conditions. The building has solved the classic terminal usage needs such as waiting rooms, ticket office and catering. The terminal is planned to have a waiting room with 90 seats, as well as a café, information points and other rooms necessary for passenger service. The roads, squares and greenery in the immediate vicinity of the terminal occupy an average area of 6 hectares.
The passenger terminal area also includes stops for various buses, bicycle parking, taxi ranks, a parking lot for 150 passenger cars, as well as places with charging capacity for electric cars and connections for light traffic.
Rail Baltica local stops give the international railway a wider range of uses. According to the plan, there will be twelve local stops on the Estonian section of the route. The potential of settlements along the railway as residential areas is growing, as fast and efficient public transport brings jobs in large centres closer to home.
The project is co-financed by the European Union. and the total eligible cost of the project is 65,035,294.00 euros, of which the Cohesion Fund support rate is 85% (i.e. a maximum of 55,280,000.00 euros) and the national co-financing is at least 15% (i.e. a minimum of 9,755,294.00 euros).
