Rubble cleared – Construction to begin 

Built on Hvaleyrarbraut

Demolition of the fire ruins at 22 Hvaleyrarbraut has begun. The contracting company Dverghamar has big plans. „The location is extremely pleasant – its proximity to the golf course and the view over the sea,“ says Karl Raymond Birgisson, managing director of Dverghamar, the company that has bought the plot from its previous owners and agreed its development with the City of Hafnarfjörður. „It's time to start developing the area.“ 

The plan is for the site to have a block of flats with a maximum of 58 apartments, plus accommodation for retail and service activities. Dverghamar commits to completing the development within five years. The block of flats will join other projects and residential buildings rising in the area, which will improve the positive appearance of the area. 

The demolition of the fire ruins has begun.

Celebrating the milestone

Mayor Valdimar Víðisson welcomes the start of the development. „This marks an important milestone in the development of housing and services in the area, and for all residents of Hafnarfjörður. It is very welcome that the demolition has begun and that the burnt-out ruins will be gone in the coming weeks.“ 

As residents of Hafnarfjörður are aware, the majority of the properties on the site were destroyed in a fire on 20 August 2023. The aim of the agreement with Dverghamar is to speed up the clearance of the fire debris and to accelerate the development of the site. The development is planned to comprise 5,711 square metres of residential accommodation, 120 square metres of commercial premises, a 2,400-square-metre car park and 500 square metres of storage.  

Access to the car parks will be from Lónsbraut. The minimum requirement for car parking is one space for flats under 80 square metres, two spaces for flats over 80 square metres, and one space for every 50 square metres of commercial space. Additional car parks may be built. 

A nearly 40-year history

Dverghamar has a long history in Hafnarfjörður. „We have been building here in Hafnarfjörður since 1986 and are excited to continue doing so,“ says Karl. „We have just finished a building in Hringhamar and have also built in Völlunum. That's quite a few projects in almost 40 years.“ 

Yes, the harbour area here in the beautiful bay is set for major changes in the coming years, and the City of Hafnarfjörður has been looking towards development there following the approval of the new regional plan for the capital region. The aim is to develop a mixed-use area with residential and service facilities. Areas at and around the Port of Hafnarfjörður, which have hitherto been designated for industrial use, are included.