Reykjavík City proposes improvements after reviewing the Álfabakki 2A planning process
Internal Audit and Consultation identified shortcomings in the administrative and permitting processes for the Álfabakki 2A development and proposed 12 recommendations for improvement. Today, the City Executive Council approved these recommendations, referring them to the Department of Environment & Planning. The City Executive Council also approved proposals to begin formal discussions on improving the site's immediate surroundings, assess the project's traffic impact, and comprehensively address planning matters in South and North Mjódd and the Íþróttafélag Reykjavíkur (ÍR) area.
At its Jan. 7, 2025, meeting, the City Council commissioned Internal Audit and Consultation (IER) to review the planning process for Álfabakki 2A. Internal Audit and Consultation presented its findings at this morning's City Executive Council meeting.
Review highlights administrative weaknesses, but procedures generally followed current law
The review's central finding is that administrative shortcomings in the planning and permitting process at Álfabakki 2A emerged at multiple stages over an extended period. These shortcomings included unclear, low-quality planning conditions and documentation, untraceable decision-making, and poorly coordinated, unprofessional planning, assessment, and permitting processes.
A review of the regulatory framework and its application indicates that procedures generally complied with current laws and regulations.
Work underway on administrative improvements and attention to the surrounding area
The City Executive Council approved referring IER's 12 recommendations to the Department of Environment & Planning for action. These recommendations aim to strengthen Reykjavík City's planning, permitting, and administrative processes. The Office of the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer will manage the follow-up on the recommendations.
The City Executive Council also approved opening formal discussions with the owners and tenants of Álfabakki 2A regarding mitigation measures to reduce the building's visual impact.
The City Executive Council tasked the Department of Environment & Planning with starting traffic counts at Álfabakki and the Íþróttafélag Reykjavíkur (ÍR) training grounds to assess how recent development and modified traffic arrangements affect the surroundings.
The City Executive Council also directed the Department of Environment & Planning to advance detailed planning work in North and South Mjódd, including the ÍR area. The City will closely consult local stakeholders throughout the process.
Long overdue to address this difficult matter
"We are long overdue to address this difficult matter, and these recommendations aim to ensure we do not repeat such mistakes. Alongside the internal audit's recommendations, we are pursuing proposals to open a dialogue with the building's owners about improving its appearance, assess traffic impacts in the area, and plan comprehensively for the future of Mjódd. Mjódd is the heart of retail and services for Breiðholt, and it also hosts a thriving sports community. We must plan the area's future holistically, using the needs of residents as our guiding principle," said Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir.