Construction has begun in Hraun West

Hafnarfjörður builds new on an old foundation

Hraun Vestur is now taking on a new form. Construction has begun. The demolition of the old buildings is underway. There will be a total of 106 flats in a 6-8 storey block of flats at 60-62 Reykjavikurvegur. Shops on the ground floor, flats on the upper floors, and a car park.

„We have been waiting for this. I look forward to seeing the neighbourhood take on a new vision for the future,“ says Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor, who visited the construction site earlier today.

Olafur Pall Snorrason, managing director of OS bygginga ehf., received the mayor along with others and informed him that the plan was to demolish the building in phases, excavate for a basement and pour the concrete. The basement is expected to be completed in December.

Ólafur Páll Snorrason, Managing Director of OS bygginga ehf., and Valdimar Víðisson, Mayor.

Flat in a great location

The size of the flats on this site will vary. They will range from two to four rooms. Balconies will be either roof-level, integrated or projecting. There will be good access to the car parks to the west of the building.

The architectural firm Nordic Office of Architecture designed the building. It is home to more than 400 architects and studios in Norway, Denmark and here in Iceland.

Major development in Hafnarfjörður

Valdimar says it is very pleasing to see Hafnarfjörður grow and change. Not only has there been significant development in Hamranes and plans for major development around the harbour, but a major step is now also being taken with the development of Hraun vestur.

„There are great opportunities in the future development of the area. It will now have a new face and undergo positive changes,“ he says.

„The area is being rezoned for mixed-use development. This means that residential properties will be permitted alongside commercial activity, and the sites will continue to accommodate the existing businesses. This is what we are seeing here on Reykjavikurvegur today, which marks the beginning of the area's overall development.“

Sustainable 5-minute neighbourhood

The aim is for the neighbourhood to be a so-called '5-minute neighbourhood'. This means that all services will be within a five-minute walk of its centre. The main community infrastructure, such as schools, nurseries, grocery shops, multi-storey car parks, and main public transport links, are located approximately one minute apart. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable building methods, materials and construction processes.

Yes, Hraun West is an exciting place to live.