Competition for the design and construction of the National Arena
Þjóðarhöll ehf., on behalf of the government and Reykjavík City, invites companies and teams to apply for pre-selection in the competitive bidding for the design and construction of a new National Arena for indoor sports in Laugardalur.
Project timeline and investment priority
"The time for development has arrived," said Jón Arnór Stefánsson, chair of the board of Þjóðarhöll ehf., at a presentation meeting in Laugardalshöll Arena today. He discussed the upcoming construction work, with the groundbreaking for the new National Arena expected in 2025 or 2026. Today, the pre-selection for the competitive bidding on the design and construction of the arena was announced.
Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir, Minister of Finance, stressed the importance of prioritizing projects in terms of public investment. However, efforts will be focused on the construction of the new National Arena, which will be a priority. "Reykjavík is the sports capital, and Laugardalur is its heart," said Einar Þorsteinsson, Mayor, celebrating that this major project had moved a step further today.
Pre-selection for Competitive Bidding for Design and Construction
The pre-selection is a great opportunity for interested parties to be part of developing a multi-purpose community center for sports, education, and culture that meets the needs and demands for international competition and larger events. The National Arena will be the heart of sports and public health in Laugardalur, with a size of up to 19,000 m², seats for 8,600 spectators, and space for up to 12,000 guests at events.
The goal is to
- create a facility that reflects modern values of accessibility, community, and environmental protection,
- provide access to a multi-purpose facility for sports, culture, education, and events,
- strengthen the connection between the National Arena and existing structures in Laugardalur,
- be accessible to the public and support public health goals,
- meet the requirements for inclusive design and achieve 'excellent' BREEAM environmental certification.
The application deadline is May 7, 2024.
After the pre-selection ends and 3-4 teams have been chosen, the competition for the final design and construction of the National Arena will begin. The results of the pre-selection are expected in June 2024.
Ríkiskaup (Central Public Procurement) oversees the pre-selection and competitive bidding. Applicant registration takes place on the Ríkiskaup tender website where further instructions on document submission are provided.
Interested parties are encouraged to seize this unique opportunity to shape, develop, and build the National Arena, which will play a key role in Icelandic society and sports.