Exciting plans from new operators at Kolaportið
The City has reached an agreement to operate the public market at Tryggvagata 19, Kolaportið, for the next five years. The City sought permanent operators and received six proposals. Götubiti ehf.'s bid was deemed the strongest, leading to negotiations with Róbert Aron Magnússon and Einar Örn representing a company not yet incorporated. The focus will be on creating a diverse and lively market that becomes a center of community life in the city center.
The search for permanent operators of the public market at Tryggvagata 19 was contingent on finalizing a lease agreement with the state for the building, which has now been secured. The Kolaportið public market has operated on the first floor at Tryggvagata 19 in recent years. The search for permanent operators was guided by the findings of a working group report on public markets in Reykjavík. An evaluation committee reviewed all submitted proposals, with the rental price weighted at 25% of the total score and other factors at 75%. Other evaluation factors included proven success with similar projects, a diverse selection of merchandise at various price points, space for flea markets, and event areas. The committee also considered whether the planned activities would complement the existing retail and services already available in downtown Reykjavík. Götubiti ehf. submitted the highest rental bid and their proposal from Róbert Aron and Einar Örn also received the most points from the evaluation committee. The City Executive Council approved the draft lease agreement today. The contract will run for five years with a three-month notice period required by either party. Monthly rent will be 4.25 million króna.
Róbert Aron Magnússon has spearheaded food and pop-up events in Iceland through Götubiti ehf. and has opened restaurants in London and Iceland. He has also organized numerous concerts and worked for Iceland Airwaves from 2003 to 2012.
Einar Örn founded the Serrano fast food restaurants in Iceland in 2002 and has established and operated numerous restaurants and food halls internationally, including the Mexican restaurant Zócalo and the STHLM food hall in Stockholm.
Appealing to both residents and tourists
The plan calls for developing Kolaportið as a diverse and vibrant market where arts, food, and market culture blend together to create a center of community life in the city center. The goal is to appeal equally to residents and tourists, creating a market where people come not just to shop but to browse, meet others, discover new cultural experiences, and find something new and exciting with every visit. Róbert Aron and Einar Örn plan to build on Kolaportið's heritage as a market while developing it with more flexible operating hours and varied programming. They also plan to make Kolaportið a showcase for street art.
Plans include two to three restaurants, a café and bar, an indoor children's play area, a grocery store, food market, and improved tenant spaces, among other features. Groups such as Extraloppan, Artisan Food Fayre, Húrra Reykjavík, and Iceland Airwaves have shown interest in operating within the building.
