Planning for Keldnaland in full swing
The development of Keldur and Keldnaholt offers a unique opportunity to enhance development in eastern Reykjavík and strengthen sustainable urban development across the capital area. Reykjavík's City Executive Council recently approved the project description for a master plan change, another step toward building a new, well-connected neighborhood in Keldnaland.
The change will be discussed in City Council tomorrow.
This is the first step in the public engagement process for revised planning in this area, set to conclude in early 2026. The goal is to build an exciting modern neighborhood, Keldnaland, based on eco-friendly transportation and fostering a carbon-neutral urban society. Keldnaland is being developed in cooperation between Reykjavík City and Transport for the Capital Area. It's part of the transportation charter, with all profits from land development and sale of building rights going to transportation projects in the capital area.
Key to strengthening the housing market
Keldnaland is centrally located within the capital area's urban area. Developing residential neighborhoods there in coming years is key to strengthening Reykjavík and the capital area's housing market by promoting steady, increased housing supply, especially affordable options.
The CityLine will serve the area, giving residents more options and improved quality of life. Services and businesses will be emphasized around its stations. This means development will be environmentally friendly, economical and minimize the carbon footprint.
Development connects with established neighborhoods and nature
Development has long been planned for the area. An international competition for its development was held last year. Further planning and design will be based on FOJAB architects' winning proposal. FOJAB and partners are advising Reykjavík City and Transport for the Capital Area on selected aspects of preparing for Keldnaland's planning and design. The proposal will be reviewed and details refined during the planning process, emphasizing good consultation in further developing the area's plans.
Locating new urban neighborhoods in Keldnaland also offers opportunities to connect the development with older established neighborhoods and the area's unique natural environment by Grafarvogur. Development will emphasize using and considering the area's natural qualities, integrating them into the urban environment to create green city parks.
It also provides opportunities to strengthen the existing community in the district, including increased retail and services, restaurants, recreation and well-designed public spaces, plus new job opportunities.
Upcoming consultation and presentations
All city residents are welcome to view an exhibit of FOJAB architects' winning proposal opening Saturday, September 21 at 11am at the library in Spöng. The same day, there's an open house at the Institute at Keldur at 1pm, followed by a guided walk of Keldur at 2pm.
The consulting team is coming to Iceland and will present the winning proposal on Wednesday, September 25 at 5pm at Reykjavík City Library in Spöng. This should interest the general public, professionals and those interested in architecture and planning.
The exhibit runs until mid-October, when a public meeting will be held. The meeting schedule will be announced later.
The master plan change project description will be available at skipulagsgatt.is and advertised. People can then review the documents and submit comments until October 31.
