The Tallinn City Government approved the detailed plan for the Krulli Factory Quarter in Põhja-Tallinn. This plan will transform the historic Franz Krulli machine factory complex into a versatile urban area, integrating residential and business spaces while preserving its cultural heritage values.
Põhja-Tallinn is undergoing significant urban redevelopment, as historical industrial zones transition into new uses. Former factory areas are seeing a shift from traditional production to small-scale manufacturing, commercial activity, and planned residential buildings. To ensure long-term vitality and urban coherence, it is essential to diversify land use in these areas, combining housing with office and retail spaces, new job opportunities, and leisure options. The revitalization of the over 125-year-old factory on Kopli Street envisions creating a modern, multifunctional district.
Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning Madle Lippus added that the opening of the Krulli Quarter, alongside the Volta area, marks one of the next significant steps in Kalamaja, a neighborhood that has undergone one of the most transformative changes in Tallinn since the country regained independence. “With its location close to the city center and excellent public transport connections, the Krulli Quarter offers a unique opportunity to establish a new focal point in Tallinn where everything necessary for life—homes, workplaces, essential services—can be found within a 15-minute walk,” said Lippus.
The planned 10.25-hectare area is located in Kalamaja, bordered by Kopli and Volta Streets and the railway. The detailed plan reassigns the current industrial land plots (Kopli St. 70, 70a, and 70b, and Volta St. 1b, 1c, 1d, and 1e) into new categories: ten mixed-use commercial and residential plots, two residential plots, five commercial plots, one for public buildings, one public space plot, three transport plots, and one industrial plot.
The development in the area is diverse, featuring architecturally valuable buildings from various eras. The surrounding zone includes heritage wooden houses and office and industrial buildings of varying heights.
The plan grants construction rights for commercial and residential buildings, a kindergarten, and the redevelopment and extension of heritage-protected structures. It also addresses landscaping, greenery, access roads, parking, and technical infrastructure solutions.
Given its proximity to the city center and excellent pedestrian and public transport connections, the transformation of the former Krulli factory site into residential buildings and supporting functions is well-justified. Emphasis is placed on ensuring safe pedestrian pathways and resolving car parking needs through underground levels or parking facilities.
The plan, created by Andres Alver and developed by K-Projekt AS, was conceptualized by the Danish architectural firm Cobe. The Tallinn Urban Planning Department and the Põhja-Tallinn District Administration will soon organize a public display of the plan. The materials can be accessed via the Tallinn Planning Register.
Illustrations for the project were provided by architects from COBE, KOKO AB, and HGA AB.
Source: tallinn.ee