Tallinn’s Ülemiste District Poised to Become City’s Second Major Hub
Tallinn, Estonia, is on the cusp of a significant urban transformation as the Ülemiste district prepares to evolve into a “second city center” by 2030. Driven by a nearly €500 million (US$500 million) investment from Tallinn Airport, Rail Baltic Estonia, and Mainor Ülemiste, the area surrounding the airport is set to become a major transportation hub and a magnet for international business and investment.
The ambitious project centers around the Rail Baltica Linda Terminal, which will integrate international and local rail lines with trams, buses, and the airport itself. This interconnectedness is intended to create a seamless transportation experience and position Ülemiste as a key gateway to Estonia and the wider Baltic region.
Currently, Ülemiste is already the fastest-growing area in Tallinn. According to developers, the district is already Estonia’s third-largest economic city based on labour tax contribution, with companies generating nearly €3 billion in total revenue in 2024. The vision is to transform the former industrial area into a “modern urban gateway attractive to international companies and investors,” according to a statement released by the investing entities.
“To create a presentable link between Rail Baltica, the airport and Ülemiste Centre, plans for Ülemiste City include a European-style park and a high-rise designed by Zaha Hadid Architects,” developers stated. The planned tower will house one of Estonia’s largest conference centers, spanning 4,700 square meters (51,000 square feet), and is projected to generate €140 million in tax revenue.
Mainor Ülemiste CEO Sten Pärnits described the goal as creating a “city within a city – modern, with dense public space, pedestrian-friendly and an international urban hub.” The development aims to foster a vibrant, mixed-use environment where people can live, work, and study.
Over the next decade, approximately 15 million people are expected to pass through the Ülemiste area, utilizing the airport and the Rail Baltica station, known as the Linda Terminal. By 2030, developers forecast that 25,000 people will live, study, and work within the campus.
The project is not merely about transportation infrastructure; it’s about creating a new economic and social center for Tallinn. The integration of various transport modes, coupled with the planned development of modern urban spaces, is expected to attract a diverse range of businesses and residents, further solidifying Ülemiste’s position as a key driver of Estonia’s economic growth.
The area’s strategic location, adjacent to Tallinn Airport and serving as the northern terminus for Rail Baltica, is central to its potential. The investment signifies a long-term commitment to transforming Ülemiste into a thriving, internationally connected hub.
