Glass roof plan would transform Reykjavík’s Hafnarstræti

Plans to build a glass roof over Hafnarstræti and turn it into a pedestrian street have been reported by mbl.is. The proposal also includes covering two plots that have so far been closed to public access.

One plot is behind the old Landsbank building on Austurstræti, while the other runs parallel to Tryggvagata behind the Eimskip building. Eik, a property company, and Landsbyggð hf. own the buildings on the plots.

Residents will be able to view the plans at the old Landsbank building during Cultural Night. Printed drawings prepared by Batteríið Architects will be on display.

Júlía Brekkan of Eik and Leó Árnason of Landsbyggð said they had received strong support in meetings with city officials. The two companies have worked together on the proposal, which they say would significantly change the appearance of Kvosin in central Reykjavík.

“We joined forces, the two owners. There are no other owners in the buildings in question,” Brekkan said.

Árnason said much good work had been done in the city centre in recent years, but that this area had been left behind. He described Hafnarstræti as a cold street today, adding that its position in the heart of the city created significant opportunities.

Several parking spaces in Hafnarstræti would be removed if the plans go ahead. Árnason said many spaces were already available under Hafnartorg and at other nearby locations. He added that traffic on the street was limited and that the benefits of closing it would outweigh the loss of the few remaining parking spaces.

Brekkan said linking the buildings in Kvosin would allow businesses to expand into the buildings and increase services on their lower floors, some of which would be located under the glass roof.

“This is not only about buildings, but first and foremost about city life. When walking routes become clearer, ground floors more active and urban spaces more open, better conditions are created for shops, restaurants, services and diverse activity,” she said.

The proposal aims to connect Austurstræti, Hafnarstræti and Tryggvagata more effectively. The owners said the goal was for people to experience Kvosin as a continuous area, walk through it more often and have more reasons to stop and spend time there.