City responds to FAI concerns over Laugardalur campus
Following the Football Association of Iceland's (FAI) statement about the planned temporary school campus in Laugardalur, Reykjavík City wishes to state the following:
Reykjavík City is currently setting up a temporary school campus on an area that was previously a parking lot at the corner of Reykjavegur and Engjavegur. The condition of school facilities in Laugardalur creates an urgent need for temporary facilities so the City can address pressing maintenance work on school buildings in the neighborhood.
Dialogue and consultation with the Football Association of Iceland
Early in the year, Reykjavík City established a process of dialogue and consultation with the FAI, and communication between the temporary school campus project manager and FAI representatives has been regular and detailed.
The work currently taking place at the construction site is based on approved building plans from March 18, 2025, and an existing building permit from June 12, 2025. The City therefore rejects claims that construction began without an approved land-use plan in place.
On Jan. 17, FAI representatives received a briefing on the temporary school campus site plan and timeline. The briefing indicated that the first phase would begin in late March. On March 27, the project manager notified the FAI of construction delays and announced that work would begin in late May or early June. Therefore, the project manager proactively informed the FAI on May 27 that construction was commencing.
Prioritizing pedestrian safety
During preparations for changes to the land-use plan for the temporary school campus, the City placed special emphasis on the safety and accessibility of pedestrians, especially schoolchildren. The main crossing for schoolchildren between Laugarnes School and the temporary school campus is at Hofteigur and the second entrance to the national stadium parking lot. To ensure traffic safety, it's important to block crossings onto Reykjavegur along this route. A traffic engineer's assessment indicates that one entrance and exit from the parking lot is sufficient for the general public. After consulting with the Capital Area Fire Department, emergency vehicle access will be maintained through a separate route, which will be closed to general traffic to ensure pedestrian safety.
Regarding the closure at Reykjavegur, a dedicated access route for emergency responders will be created. Access to the area has not been reduced due to ongoing construction.
The approved building plans from March 18, 2025, specify that the application requested permits for buildings that fit within current planning guidelines. The plans also state that the previous application for building plans for temporary preschool facilities would become void, and that new building plans for the temporary school campus would take effect. Therefore, with approved building plans and building permits, the project has all required authorizations.
Prioritizing children's interests and resident safety
Reykjavík City emphasizes that construction in Laugardalur will proceed while prioritizing the interests of children and the safety of residents. The City remains ready to engage in professional and constructive collaboration with the FAI and other stakeholders on a future vision for the area.