Zoning plan for the extension of the Torni Hotel approved and opened for public review

The plan area includes the properties at Ratapihankatu 43-45 and some street areas. The City of Tampere and Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Company are jointly applying for an amendment to the zoning plan. The area is adjacent to the railway station, the city centre and the major event centres in the surrounding area, Nokia Arena and Tampere Hall.

The purpose of the plan is to enable the expansion of the hotel, to create preconditions for renovating the old locomotive shed and office building, and to enable their use for hotel activities. The aim is to create a harmonious cityscape in keeping with the nationally significant built cultural environment and its heritage values.

The site is currently zoned for public areas and office buildings and would be converted into a business and accommodation block. The old locomotive shed is also listed in the new town plan as a building of cultural and historic interest that is important for the preservation of the urban landscape and may not be demolished. This block is part of the nationally significant built cultural environment of Tampere railway station area.

Changes made in the proposal phase

The draft zoning plan was opened for public review in spring 2025. The two drafts presented last spring mainly differed from each other regarding the location of the tower building. The plan was developed further in the proposal phase. The new tower is to be located further north, however curving around the southern locomotive shed and leaving a space between the new tower and the office building.

Out of the two drafts, the amended zoning plan proposal is the best option for preserving the values of the built cultural environment and the significant views. The plan also creates an integrated and well-functioning cityscape.

For the purposes of the zoning plan proposal, more specific regulations guiding high-rise building were introduced, for instance regarding the new building's location with reference to the locomotive shed, ensuring harmony with existing buildings through pedestal height and material, and placing accommodation facilities above the 2nd floor.

The plan regulations will also expand canopy coverage in Tulli district and improve traffic safety in the street area. The total building right in the zoning area will be roughly doubled compared to the current plan.

Possibilities of the zoning plan

The extension will be designed as a 26-storey tower building, which equals the size of the existing hotel, in keeping with the heritage values of the block. The extension will house around 300 additional rooms and versatile services at the ground level and top floor. A connecting bridge can be built between the tower buildings.

A new main entrance is planned through the office building located amongst the locomotive sheds, and the southern locomotive shed will be integrated into the hotel's restaurant and congress facilities. The plan includes a drop-off point in front of the main entrance, and access for maintenance traffic will be directed from Åkerlundinkatu to the back of the locomotive shed.

The plan incorporates the street area required for the Ratapihankatu and Åkerlundinkatu intersection and makes it possible to build either a traffic light controlled T junction or a roundabout. The intersection solution will be designed in connection with the master plan and street layout planning. The plan will enable the construction of an accessible pedestrian bridge from a deck to be built across the railway yard to the south of Åkerlundinkatu.

A radially planted park is proposed for the square at the intersection of Ratapihankatu and Åkerlundinkatu on the southern edge of the site to control temperature conditions, protect the space from traffic and enhance the amenity of the area.

Part of a larger scheme

The project is in line with the city’s strategic objectives and located in the high-rise construction area. This will strengthen the hotel block's presence as a landmark in Tampere and an attractive destination for tourists and residents alike.

This project, which is part of wider development of station districts around Tampere railway station and the railway yard that cuts across the city centre, will create a new and urban part of the city.

After the zoning plan proposal has been reviewed by the public and the feedback received has been processed, the plan will be referred back to the Committee for City Planning and Infrastructure Services for a decision. The City Council will make its decision on the detailed plan based on the City Board's proposal.