Hafnarfjörður to undergo major urban development with new library set for completion by 2026

Hafnarfjörður is poised for significant urban development, marking the largest construction project in its city center in decades. The town’s council anticipates that the new building for the Hafnarfjörður Library will be completed by 2026. This project at the Fjörður shopping center will involve the creation of a 1,700 square meter facility, housing shops, a restaurant, and the library itself.

Yesterday, a purchase agreement for the new library space was signed by several key figures, including the mayor of Hafnarfjörður and the CEO of 220 Fjarðar, the property management company responsible for the project. The current library, located at Strandgötu 1, receives about 125,000 visitors annually. Officials expect that the new building will attract significantly more visitors, potentially tripling annual attendance.

The redevelopment aims to modernize the library in response to evolving community needs and expectations. Mayor Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir expressed optimism about the new facility, indicating that it will become a vital community hub for residents of all ages, fostering social interaction and cultural enrichment.

The Hafnarfjörður city council unanimously approved the purchase proposal at a meeting on June 19, with the negotiated price set at 1.1 billion Icelandic krónur. The completion of the new library is targeted for early 2026, reflecting a commitment to enhancing local resources and public spaces.