Estonian National Broadcasting's New Television Building Construction Contract Signed
Estonian Public Broadcasting and Nordecon AS signed a construction contract today for the construction work of the Estonian Public Broadcasting's new television building. According to the contract, the work will take 36 months, meaning the new television building will be completed by the end of 2027.
The new television building will be constructed on the same property as ERR's current buildings (news building and radio building) in Tallinn city center at the intersection of Kreutzwaldi and Gonsiori streets. The architectural solution for the building was designed by Kadarik Tüür Architects OÜ, who also prepared the master plan. The project is based on the winning entry "Green Canvas" from an international architecture competition. The total enclosed net floor area of the building is 17,000 m². The building consists of six above-ground and one underground floor, forming a harmonious and interconnected complex with the existing buildings of public broadcasting.
Tarmo Pohlak, member of the board of Nordecon AS: „We are extremely pleased to begin construction of such a significant and greatly anticipated building that is very important to ERR. Due to the tight location and the nature of the building, we will face quite a few technical challenges, but we at Nordecon enjoy such tasks."
Compared to the current television building, the new complex is approximately 10,000 square meters smaller and more compact, encompassing studios, office spaces, and other television-specific uses. A multifunctional inner courtyard will be created between the upper office levels, where programs can also be recorded if needed.
The building's structure is based on studio logistics and the characteristics of the surrounding area. The new television building creates a visually smooth transition between the more open radio building and the denser development of Kreutzwaldi Street.
Erik Roose, Chairman of the Board of Estonian Public Broadcasting: „The creation of a new unified complex has been discussed since the founding of Estonian Public Broadcasting. Therefore, today is also a very significant day for ERR – we have moved from the dreaming phase to the beginning of construction. On behalf of ERR, I thank all our partners so far and wish Nordecon an active three years, which mark an important new chapter in the history of national television."
The funding for the construction of the new television complex comes from the state's funding for nationally important cultural buildings through the Cultural Endowment, the sale of the current television building's property, and the recently sold property on Tuisu Street that belonged to ERR.
Tarmo Leppoja, Chairman of the Board of State Real Estate: „The cooperation on the construction of Estonian Public Broadcasting's new television building, which began back in 2018 with an architecture competition, has now reached its natural conclusion – construction. This will allow ERR employees to begin work in the new building in 2027. Long-term dedication, good cooperation, and trust have been the foundation for the Public Broadcasting to obtain quality, modern, and intelligently designed work spaces. To the contractor, ERR employees, and neighbors, we wish strength and understanding during the construction period, as every major construction inevitably brings temporary inconveniences. However, in just a few years' time, we will open the television complex in completely new quality."
The cost of the contract signed today is 40.1 million euros, to which value added tax and price changes resulting from the construction price index are added. The total price of the new television building project, including value added tax, fits within the previously planned 77 million euros. In addition to the construction costs, the owner's supervision fee, utility connection fees, public art costs, furniture for the new building, project management costs, potential additional construction costs resulting from the increase in the construction price index, and the cost of the new television building's technological equipment are included.
