Agreement reached on the development of 144 apartments at the Port of Hafnarfjörður  

First contract for the development of the harbour area approved by the town council.  

The contract for the development of a mixed-use development of 144 flats at Hvaleyrarbraut 26-30 in Hafnarfjörður was unanimously approved by the Hafnarfjörður Town Council on Wednesday, 19 June.

The Municipality of Hafnarfjörður has emphasised densifying development in certain areas, and construction is now beginning on a densification site north of Hvaleyrarbraut. The development is linked to the town's ambitious plans for the Flensborg Harbour and Óseyrar area.

„It is very pleasing that the first agreement for the development of the harbour area is now finalised. Plans for residential development there have been in the pipeline for some time, and this agreement is therefore a major step forward.“ says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður.

„The Hafnarfjörður Town Council is unanimous in its commitment to continued development in the municipality, and we emphasise a diverse range of housing in different areas of the town. The harbour area is a very exciting option and a key area in Hafnarfjörður for urban densification. This agreement marks a definite beginning in the development of the area and sets the tone for what is to come.“

Mayor Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir signs here, along with the representatives of Fjarðamót and Hagtak. From the left: Bergþór Jóhannsson and Jóhann Bergþórsson for Hagtak, Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Óttar Arnalds and Hjálmar R. Hafsteinsson for Fjarðamót.

New mixed-use development with residential and commercial premises

Hafnarfjörður is now looking to more areas within the municipality in order to develop mixed-use areas with housing and commercial services. This follows the adoption of the new regional plan for the capital region, 'Capital Region 2040'. These include areas at and around the Port of Hafnarfjörður which, until now, have been designated for industrial use.

26-30 Hvaleyrarbraut is one of these areas, and the City of Hafnarfjörður has now entered into an agreement with Fjarðarmót on the development of plot no. 26. However, with Hagtak Ltd. and Verkfræðiþjónusta Jóhanns G. Bergþórssonar Ltd. for the development of plots 28 and 30.

Permission is granted to build a block of flats with a maximum of 45 flats on the plot at Hvaleyrarbraut 26. On plot no. 28, a block of flats with a maximum of 41 flats may be built, and on plot no. 30, a block of flats with a maximum of 58 flats. A total of 144 flats.

Provision is made for premises for retail and service activities on all the plots, in addition to which the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður has reserved the right to purchase two flats in each block of flats, or six flats in total.

Industrial buildings make way for a changing operation with an increased level of service 

The town council approved an amendment to the town's 2013-2025 master plan on 31 August 2022, and it was confirmed by the Planning Authority on 13 January 2023.  

The amendment to the master plan covers the land of the plots at Hvaleyrarbraut 20-32 and provides for industrial buildings to be replaced by a changed use with an increased level of service on the plots, in consultation with the landowners. Also, that the area will become a central zone for retail and service activities, with permission for residential accommodation on upper floors.

Please note that the images accompanying the press release are for illustrative purposes only. Images/ASK Architects

The interplay between harbour and town

The development of the entire harbour area will, in accordance with the approved framework plan, strengthen the interplay between the harbour and the town by focusing on the shaping of the shoreline, improved transport links and connections to the town centre, and the densification of the built-up area around the harbour.

Public space will be the glue in the layout of the harbour area, connecting the different development plots and forming a cohesive urban fabric. High-quality public spaces are planned, along with a mix of uses, including a variety of businesses and residences in close proximity, as well as leisure facilities. In this way, the harbour attracts a vibrant social life and a better experience.