Tórshavn council approves costly purchase of old building for after-school centre

The city council of Tórshavn has agreed to buy a dilapidated industrial building in the eastern district for an after-school programme, despite estimates showing renovations and expansions will cost at least 32 million krona, Faroese Broadcasting Corporation (KVF) reports.

The decision comes after a real estate agent from Betri Heim contacted the municipality in February with an offer to sell a 1977-built warehouse on Geil Street. The 2,600-square-metre property, adjacent to the “Lítli skógur” kindergarten, was proposed as a potential site for younger children from Eysturskúlin school.

A municipal building inspection revealed severe structural issues, including moisture damage, mould, and “very serious defects” in parts of the foundation. Only 120 square metres were deemed usable for storage, not for educational purposes. Renovation costs were estimated at over 20 million krona—bringing the total expense, including the 10.5 million krona purchase price, to 32 million.

By comparison, constructing a new 650-square-metre after-school facility for 130 children on municipally owned land would cost 29 million krona, based on recent benchmarks from a new centre in Kollafjørður.

The council approved the purchase in a 10–3 vote on April 30, citing the property’s location and outdoor space as key advantages. The municipality has also committed to leasing another nearby warehouse for 44,000 krona per month—excluding utilities—as an interim solution while renovations proceed.

Critics note the building’s poor condition and the lack of a return clause in the sales agreement, meaning the municipality cannot reverse the purchase.