Reykjavík advances plans for Hólmsheiði security centre

Reykjavík City Council has moved plans for a security measures centre near Hólmsheiði Prison to the next stage, referring a planning brief to the capital region’s planning committee and other stakeholders, Morgunblaðið reports.

The proposed centre would accommodate people sentenced by a court to security measures, including some who have completed prison sentences but are still considered dangerous to society. It is intended for people found not criminally responsible and others for whom ordinary imprisonment is not considered appropriate.

The council approved the planning brief on Thursday. The city’s environment and planning committee had considered the matter in October. The three parties in the council majority, the Independence Party, Viðreisn and the Progressive Party, welcomed the start of preparations and said the planning and choice of location must be carefully considered.

The possible location is near Hólmsheiði Prison, outside Reykjavík’s urban growth boundary but within the city’s green belt. The majority said further work should ensure the proposed activity fits its surroundings and takes account of the area’s natural and recreational value. Stakeholders’ views should be gathered and responses to the proposed location assessed before the next steps are decided.

The state has secured a plot of about 9,000 square metres at Hólmsheiði. Plans call for a building of about 3,000 square metres, separate from the prison’s existing operations, with capacity for up to 17 people. The agreement for the plot was signed in April.

It is not yet known who will design the building or when construction will be put out to tender.