Two draft zoning plans for the extension of the Tower Hotel open for public

The zoning plan amendment will enable the construction of a hotel and a new pedestrian bridge over the railway with accessible connections to Åkerlundinkatu.

The planning area includes the property at Ratapihankatu 43-45 and street areas. The aim of the plan is to enable the hotel to be expanded so that it forms a functionally integrated whole with the existing hotel. At the same time, the conditions are created for the renovation of the old locomotive depot for the hotel business and the use of the old office building.

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

A new main entrance is planned through the office building in the middle of the locomotive house, and the southern locomotive house will be integrated into the hotel’s restaurant and congress facilities. The extension will provide around 300 additional rooms and a top-floor restaurant with a panoramic view, in addition to the wide range of services offered at ground level.

A connecting bridge between the tower buildings would allow direct access between the restaurants on the top floors of both buildings at the same level.

Two options for the site

The extension is designed as a 26-storey tower building, the size of the existing hotel, in keeping with the heritage values of the block. The reference plan and the draft zoning plan present two alternative locations for the future tower. Options A and B also differ in the height of the brick part of the pedestals.

In the first option, the tower will be located at the northern end of the southern engine shed, immediately adjacent to the water tower building, leaving the arched shape of the shed and the yard locomotive turntable visible in the cityscape.

In the second option, the tower is positioned centrally in the front yard of the southern depot, thus more obscuring the curved façade of the depot. The tower complex will be developed in cooperation with the City of Tampere in line with the strategic principles for tall buildings.

New pedestrian bridge over the track

The land-use plan will allow for the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the railway line and for accessible connections from the bridge to Åkerlundinkatu. A new underground access road from Viinikankatu to the P-Hämp extension will run under the development plan area.

The escort traffic of the block will be located in front of the main entrance, the service traffic of the extension will be routed from Åkerlundinkatu to the rear of the locomotive depot. The plan does not include any new parking spaces.

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

Part of a wider context

The project meets the city’s strategic objectives and is suitable for a high-rise area. The hotel district would be strengthened as a landmark in Tampere and an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike. 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 project is part of a wider development of station districts around Tampere railway station and the railway yard that runs through the city centre, creating a new and urban part of the city.

The planning process has also examined how the project relates to strategic planning projects and underground transport in the surrounding area.

Presentation and progress of the land-use plan

A video presentation of the plan is available on the plan’s website for the duration of the consultation period. Planners can be met on Wednesday 4 June 2025 from 15-18 at Siluet (Urban Development and Planning Showroom), 7 Hatanpään Highway (bus station building).

A short general presentation of the plans will be held at 15.30, 16.30 and 17.30. The draft plans for the Asemakeskus and Pohjoiskansi will also be presented at the same event.

Following the feedback and discussion during the preparatory phase, the amended zoning plan will be developed into a single draft zoning plan, which will be made available for public consultation by the Municipal Council. The zoning plan will be decided by the City Council on the basis of a proposal from the City Council.