Repairs underway at Borgum office building in Akureyri following mold discovery

Significant repairs are underway at the Borgum office building in Akureyri after mold was detected in the structure last spring. The issue has impacted all businesses located in the building, and it is expected that the repairs will extend into the next year.

The mold was first identified in April during work at the headquarters of the Icelandic Fisheries Agency, which subsequently relocated temporarily. Mold damage was found on all floors of the building, concentrated around exterior walls and windows, according to Jón Kolbeinn Guðjónsson, the property manager at Reitir, the company that owns Borgum. Repairs are currently focused on replacing parts of the exterior cladding, addressing indoor wall damage, and removing any compromised materials identified during testing.

The ongoing repair work has disrupted all tenants, including the University of Akureyri, which hosts several departments in the building. Additionally, the work has delayed research activities at the Natural History Institute, particularly studies on mold fungi that take place at the Borgum facility.

Reitir has offered alternative office space to businesses that have had to relocate, including an entire floor to the university. Individuals experiencing symptoms related to mold have also been provided with available space. Nevertheless, the timeline for the completion of repairs remains uncertain, with construction expected to progress considerably by year-end, but likely extending into the following year.