Reykjavík preschool faces extensive renovations as safety concerns arise at Brákarborg

Reykjavík is facing significant renovations at the Brákarborg preschool, which opened less than two years ago in new facilities. The estimated cost for these repairs could reach into the tens of millions of Icelandic krónur. The head of the city’s environmental and planning department has confirmed that there are underlying issues within the building’s structure.

Brákarborg preschool relocated to a newly constructed building at Kleppsveg 150-152 in the autumn of 2022, at the site of a former adult shop. The construction of the preschool totaled nearly 1.3 billion krónur, and it was the first building to receive the Green Shovel environmental award due to its excellent eco-friendly and sustainable practices.

However, two years later, the preschool has been temporarily closed. Staff and children will not return after summer vacation but will instead move to temporary facilities in Ármúla. Concerns arose when cracks were discovered in the preschool’s walls, leading to inspections that indicated the roof’s weight exceeds current load-bearing standards.

The city has quickly initiated remedial work, with an outdoor turf removal already underway. It remains unclear when the children will return to the original location, with the new school year slated to begin on August 12 in Ármúla. Authorities aim to ensure the safety and quality of the environment for the children during this transition, while the exact timeframe for the repairs at Kleppsveg remains uncertain. Many parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the decision to relocate the preschool amidst concerns about the suitability of the temporary facilities. The city acknowledges the challenges this poses for families and emphasizes ongoing communication with parents.