Grindavík explores turning damaged sports hall into tourist venue

Grindavík authorities are examining whether to use the Hópið sports hall for tourism-related activities instead of demolishing it, mbl.is reports. The building was badly damaged by earth movements in the town.

The Grindavík town council approved plans on Tuesday to begin preparing a tender for a concession agreement covering operations at Hópið. The town will also commission a structural assessment and prepare a cost estimate for the strengthening work required.

Hópið previously contained a full-size indoor football pitch. The building was damaged during the earth movements, and a fissure opened along the length of the pitch.

Guðbjörg Eyjólfsdóttir, chair of the Grindavík town council, said ideas had emerged about using the building for tourism-related activities.

“We are examining the options and how it could be prepared for a tender for parties interested in it,” she said.

Several parties have contacted the town with inquiries and ideas about possible uses for the building, Guðbjörg said. That interest prompted the town council to examine the matter.

“There is interest in using the building, but we need to ensure certain safety requirements before that can happen,” she said.

The alternative would be to demolish the building. Grindavík received approximately 1.2 billion Icelandic krónur in compensation after the Icelandic Catastrophe Insurance assessed the building as a total loss.

Work is also under way to repair the damage west of the sports hall, where a fissure opened. The area will be restored to ensure good access to the building.