There's significant satisfaction with the renovated area from Hlemmur Food Hall to Snorrabraut, where development concluded last fall. The area south and east of the food hall will now be renovated and connected to the renovated section of Laugavegur, picking up where it left off.
What happens next?
The area has been planned as a future gathering place for Reykjavík residents and all Icelanders, with access for everyone, and vehicle traffic will be redirected away from the square. The transformation of Hlemmur will occur in several phases.
In the section from Rauðarárstígur by the Gasworks and over the intersection of Laugavegur and Rauðarárstígur, pipes need to be replaced and a new surface laid. During the construction, the main entrance to the food hall will be on the north side. The goal is for this part of the development on the area to be completed by summer 2025.
Motor vehicle traffic will no longer be in the area, but all access for residents and stakeholders, as well as goods delivery, will be ensured.
What will the area look like?
New surfacing materials, seating, play and leisure areas along with greenery will be dominant features of the new Hlemmur Square, along with an eco-friendly approach to surface water management.
Once the developments are complete, the area will truly be a square, not only with increased greenery and leisure spaces but also artwork. Sigurjón Ólafsson's Pack Horse will be moved from its place to the new area closer to the food hall. There will also be a water feature reminiscent of the water basin that was previously at Hlemmur. This creates a better and safer space for vibrant daily life.
Strætó routes after the development
Strætó Public Transport will make route changes while development is ongoing.
Terminals currently at Hlemmur will move, and Strætó routes that pass through Hlemmur will change. Efforts are made to keep the changes to a minimum, but inevitably, service users will notice them. Routes that currently go through Laugavegur and Hlemmur will be redirected to Katrínartún and Borgartún, while routes that go through Rauðarárstígur and Hlemmur will move to Flókagata and Snorrabraut. New bus stations will be added on Snorrabraut by Laugavegur and in Borgartún by Bríetartún, to improve stations in the vicinity of Hlemmur.
Strætó will thus return to Hlemmur later with the CityLine. More details on Strætó's route changes connected to the development can be found on Strætó's website.
Emphasis on good communication
Reykjavík City and Veitur Utilities are in charge of the development. Stakeholders, businesses, and residents will be well informed. Everything will be done to minimize inconvenience for stakeholders and residents, although being near a development area always involves some strain. The goal is clear: a better city with reliable infrastructure.
An emphasis will be placed on good communication throughout the period.
- Information page about the new Hlemmur
- Strætó route changes due to the development at Hlemmur
- Strætó's information page about the changes
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