Hafnarfjörður´s Library modernizes and moves to Fjörður

Largest construction in the city centre in decades

The municipality of Hafnarfjörður has completed the purchase of a new building for Hafnarfjörður´s Library in the shopping center Fjörður. The town’s 102-year-old library will be modernized and adapted to changing demands and needs of the community. The new library will have an atmosphere of modern libraries; A multimedia center that offers diverse use, creativity and socializing.

The premises are around 1,700 square meters in size. Of this, around 550 square meters are in the new building of Fjörður at Strandgata 26-30, which is rising rapidly these days. The development in Fjörður is the largest construction project that has taken place in the center of Hafnarfjörður in decades.

An attraction for residents and guests

“We look forward to our library growing significantly and becoming a great attraction for residents of all ages. It will be a place to come together, enrich and nourish the spirit,” says Mayor Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir.

“Libraries in many parts of Europe have been developing in line with modern times, with a greater emphasis on privacy, experiences and family gatherings. We also envision that there will be an increased emphasis on diverse cultural events. We are eagerly awaiting to enjoy the library in a new location in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.”

At a meeting on the 19th of June, the town council of Hafnarfjörður unanimously confirmed the town’s offer to purchase the premises and was signed with 220 Fjörður ehf. at new library location, Fjörður, last Wednesday, the 28th of August.

A new and improved Fjörður

Guðmundur Bjarni Harðarson, CEO of 220 Fjörður, says that the new library, which will be a kind of knowledge center, will undoubtedly be of great importance for the new and improved Fjörður.

“We envision that it will have a lot of appeal. The current library receives around 125 thousand visitors a year. We don’t think it’s unlikely that the number of visitors will triple. It will be a community center, as Fjörður is the other city center of the capital area.”

Construction contractors are GG verk and the architects; ASK architects. The supervision and construction management of the project is in the hands of Strending ehf. The purchase price is approximately ISK 1.1 billion.

Fjörður is changing rapidly these days. 220 Fjörður is building around 9,000 square meters, making it 21 thousand square meters in total. Along with the library’s new building, there will be 18 hotel apartments, 31 luxury apartments, retail spaces and a 1200 square meter underground parking garage.

• Hafnarfjörður´s Library was established just over 100 years ago. It is very popular among the townspeople, with around 125 thousand  annual visitors. The library’s current premises are at Strandgata 1, on four floors and seven levels. The library will be on one floor in a new building that provides great and diverse possibilities.
• The building is expected to be handed over to the library in early 2026. the shopping center Fjörður is located in the heart of Hafnarfjörður, in close proximity to bustling life, culture, history and commerce. Work is underway to expand the shopping center by 8,700 square meters with an underground car park. The design of the new building is refined and timeless, with careful choice of materials, furnishings and finishes. Emphasis is placed on elegant appearance that fits well with the beautiful and warm environment in the center of Hafnarfjörður. There will be 18 hotel apartments facing Strandgata and 31 apartments with a stunning view of the fjord and over the old town.
• On the ground floor there will be shops and services, and on the second floor there will be a restaurant and the new Library.
• The building will also have a grocery store with a good selection of products, a food hall/coffee market where you can enjoy a variety of food from morning to evening, as well as shops of various sizes and types. Ambition is placed on selecting diverse and high-quality stores and services.
• Further information about the new town centre of Hafnarfjörður: 220midbaer.is