New residential area planned in Keldnalandi, Reykjavík, set to accommodate 15,000 residents

Construction of a new residential area in Keldnalandi, Reykjavík, could commence within three years, according to an official from the city’s Environmental and Planning Council. The planned development aims to accommodate between 11,000 and 15,000 residents and will progress alongside the city’s new public transport initiative, the Borgarlína.

The initiative is currently under consideration, with proposals for changes to the city’s master plan now available for public review. The deadline for feedback is at the end of next month.

The new neighborhood, located near Grafarvogur, is expected to provide a substantial number of jobs—between 7,000 and 8,000 positions—making it a vibrant community. The council chair has expressed hopes that construction can start in a few years, emphasizing the importance of synchronizing the development with the public transport infrastructure.

This project is viewed as a crucial step for Reykjavík’s future urban development. The area will focus on sustainability while addressing housing needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city’s approach to development prioritizes density and inward expansion to use resources effectively.

Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir, the chair of the council, highlights that this is the only new neighborhood currently in the pipeline, signaling a significant shift in the city’s urban planning over the next ten to thirty years. The focus remains on creating a community that is not just expansive but also environmentally friendly.