The city will seek a permanent operator for the public market at Tryggvagata 19, contingent on successfully negotiating a continued lease agreement with the state for the property. This was approved by the City Executive Council today.
The Kolaportið public market has operated on the first floor of Tryggvagata 19 for several years, but the temporary lease agreement between Reykjavík City and the Government Property Agency (FSRE) expired on Dec. 31. In January, the City Executive Council approved a lease extension and authorized the Property Office to execute a temporary lease and operations agreement with Varmdal ehf., creating time to determine the best path forward.
The City Executive Council has now declared its intent to advertise for a permanent market operator, though any operator agreement will depend on successfully securing a continued lease between Reykjavík City and FSRE.
Market should complement existing downtown businesses
The selection process will be guided by findings from the working group report on public markets in Reykjavík. An evaluation committee will review all proposals, with offered lease price accounting for 25% of the scoring and other evaluation criteria worth 75%. °
According to the draft advertisement, key evaluation factors include proven experience with similar projects and proposals that offer spaces for social interaction and entrepreneurs, diverse merchandise at various price points, permanent vendor stalls alongside flea market areas, event space, and a mix of fresh produce and food service options. The city will also consider how well the proposed market operations would complement existing retail and services in downtown Reykjavík.
