Hafnarfjörður buys Skessuna

The Hag of the Hafnfirðingar

„We look to the future with FH and are delighted that the people of Hafnarfjörður now own Skessuna, just like other sports facilities in the town,“ says Valdimar Víðisson, the Mayor of Hafnarfjörður. The purchase agreement was signed this morning. The Hafnarfjörður Town Council approved at its meeting last Wednesday to purchase Skessuna, the FH football clubhouse, with everything that comes with the property, as well as the associated land rights.

„The “Skessan' was built cost-effectively in its day and is a good structure that has served the club and its members well. However, external circumstances have had a significant impact on construction and operations, and it was therefore necessary to take this step in cooperation with the club and with the interests of the members as our guiding principle, as we always do in our decision-making," says the mayor.

„We are entering into the agreement with conviction and satisfaction. The partnership with FH has always been successful, and we are united in our commitment to continue building a professional and good operation, and excellent facilities at Kaplakriki. We have also ensured that this historic club is on firmer financial footing and can concentrate on what it does best: fostering a strong sporting community and coaching and strengthening our children for the future. The council is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the facility, which will become a second asset owned by the residents,“ he says.

The purchase price is 1.19 million króna.

The Skessan is paid for by taking over outstanding debts amounting to 695 million króna, and a prepayment of funds of just over 333 million króna. The company will receive almost 141.7 million upon completion, and 20 million kroner will be paid once certificates have been issued for the structure's safety and final inspection. Valdimar says the preparation for the purchase has been extensive. Every angle has been examined.

„We have emphasised collaboration between the parties and a thorough approach to our work. Recently, the town council approved a review of the service and operating contracts for all the town's major organisations. The aim is clear: increased transparency for everyone and the responsible management of funds,“ says Valdimar.

A special addendum is being made to Skessan's purchase agreement, which incorporates the changes. The review and update of contracts applies to those companies in the town that receive over 35 million krónur in annual contributions from the City of Hafnarfjörður, and the review is already underway. The new provisions concern, on the one hand, the rules and oversight of financial affairs and the handling of funds, and on the other, the appointment of observer representatives from the City of Hafnarfjörður to the associations' main boards.