Strong resident participation in Kjalarnes consultation
Successful consultation sessions about Kjalarnes' future planning were held at Klébergsskóli on April 29 and 30. These meetings officially launched work to revise Kjalarnes' municipal plan and develop a neighborhood plan for Grundarhverfi and surrounding areas.
Resident turnout was strong, and it became clear that Kjalarnes residents have a powerful vision for the area's future development — one rooted in nature, community and the area's unique identity as countryside within the city.
Three-part consultation
The consultation included three components. First, planners met with students at Klébergsskóli, who offered valuable ideas about how to improve the neighborhood. Students particularly wanted more playgrounds, better landscaping and new services like a grocery store and ice cream shop.
Later that day, a resident forum addressed the future of urban development in Grundarhverfi, housing issues, services, employment and transportation. The following day featured an open house with Reykjavík City specialists where residents could share their ideas and get answers to their questions.
Strong resident voices and clear future vision
Residents want to strengthen development in Grundarhverfi with diverse housing options for all age groups. A clear preference emerged for development that matches the area's special character, with low-rise buildings integrated with nature and green spaces. Residents specifically identified the need for a nursing home, preschool and primary school, sports facilities and a grocery store to strengthen infrastructure.
Participants also discussed opportunities for job creation, both through tourism and other innovative industries. Residents expressed mixed views on large-scale food production near residential areas.
Transportation drew significant discussion, with residents emphasizing the need to improve public transit, especially for children and young people. Kjalarnes residents want to accelerate Sundabraut construction and improve connections to Vesturlandsvegur to enhance access to and from the neighborhood.
Online survey open until June 1
Following the consultation meetings, an online survey opened on Reykjavík's neighborhood planning website. The survey aims to collect additional resident input and gain insight into Kjalarnes' strengths and opportunities for both the municipal plan and neighborhood plan.