Tampere’s Rollikkahalli faces neglect as last tenant prepares to vacate

The Rollikkahalli, located in Tampere’s Pyynikki area, is currently in a state of neglect. The final tenant, gym operator Mikko Aaltonen, is preparing to vacate the premises by the end of the year after 13 years in business due to the city’s decision to terminate the rental agreement earlier this year. While Aaltonen views this as a regrettable end, he acknowledges it offers a silver lining: the opportunity to move to a new facility and develop his operations further.

Currently, only Tampereen Infra remains operational within the hall, as it has social and storage facilities for vehicles and equipment. Originally opened in 1950 and later expanded in the 1980s, Rollikkahalli was built for the storage and maintenance of “rollikas,” or trolleybuses, which served Tampere’s public transport from 1948 to 1976.

The hall is now in urgent need of renovation, but city property manager Virpi Ekholm doubts the municipality will carry out repairs due to the high costs and limited enhancement benefits. A recent indoor air quality assessment indicated significant moisture and microbial damage, particularly in the basement, along with high levels of radon, a colorless and odorless gas linked to increased lung cancer risk. The report recommended comprehensive renovations within five years.

The city had previously considered cultural activities for the vacant space but found it unsuitable due to air quality issues. Currently, there are discussions about redesignating the space for private use, potentially leading to its sale after a zoning change. The city may initiate this process later this year, as they aim to find a new purpose for the hall.