West Center to relocate to Borgartún 12-14

Ritstjórn
""

West Center is moving from its temporary location on Austurstræti to Borgartún 12-14. About 90 people work at West Center, providing services, information, support and consultation in the fields of welfare, education, and youth services. West Center is one of four centers in Reykjavík. The city also operates an Online Center, which serves as service users' first point of contact.

Permanent home secured after long search

West Center has faced housing challenges for some time. Since April 2023, the center has been located at Austurstræti 8-10, moving from its previous location at Laugavegur 77. The Borgartún facility is much better suited for operations, with an improved location, workspace, and reception areas for residents.

Reykjavík City already has extensive operations at Borgartún 12-14. The building houses the Department of Welfare, Department of Education & Youth and Online Center, among others. "We are pleased to have found a solution to West Center's housing challenges. Bringing West Center staff into the building creates exciting opportunities and synergies. We will work hard to enhance West Center's services at the new location," says Rannveig Einarsdóttir, Director of Welfare.

New facility offers key advantages 

The Borgartún location offers excellent accessibility for people with disabilities and older adults, is close to public transportation, and has adequate parking. Plans call for the center's reception area to be shared with Reykjavík City's service center on the ground floor. Over the next few weeks, the details will be finalized in collaboration with the service center, other Borgartún operations, and affected staff.

The goal is to design a safe, well-organized, and welcoming reception area that meets the needs of residents and staff. "The work ahead involves designing and outfitting the space intended for staff and service users. We plan to provide a warm welcome and are handling this project with great care to ensure its success. We believe this will represent progress in the city's services," Rannveig says.

The move is expected to be complete by the end of the year.