108 Nursing Care Units will be in Vatnshlíð – Agreements Signed

The Minister of Social Affairs and Housing and Vigdísarholt Ltd. signed an agreement today on the construction and operation of a new 108-bed nursing home in Vatnshlíð by Ásvallarbraut in Hafnarfjörður. At the same time, an agreement was signed between Vigdísarholt and the municipality of Hafnarfjörður on the allocation of land in the area.

The minister, the mayor, and the managing director of Vigdísarholt toasted with hot chocolate and whipped cream at the signing. “With this nursing home in Hafnarfjörður, the town will be among the leading municipalities regarding nursing and care for the elderly,” said Kristján Sigurðsson, managing director of Vigdísarholt, on the occasion.

According to the ministry’s press release, the exact location of the plot and its final size will be determined by Hafnarfjörður municipality once the detailed zoning plan for the area is finalized. The revision of the master plan is expected to be completed next spring, and the plot is expected to be ready for construction in 2027.

Hafnarfjörður municipality is providing the land free of charge in accordance with the law. However, the municipality is permitted to collect street construction fees in accordance with the government-municipality agreement on responsibility sharing for nursing home development. Vigdísarholt is required to begin construction no later than two years after the land is handed over.

Inga Sæland, Minister of Social Affairs and Housing, said that with this letter of intent with Vigdísarholt and Hafnarfjörður municipality, a clear message is being sent: “We intend to respond. We intend to build. And we intend to do it in cooperation and with the interests of the people as our guide. I warmly congratulate the people of Hafnarfjörður on this milestone and look forward to seeing the project realized.”

Kristján Sigurðsson, managing director of Vigdísarholt, said that the company’s leadership is very excited about this new project and the development of a strong quality-of-life hub in the area: “The project aligns well with Vigdísarholt’s vision for comprehensive and ambitious services aimed at improving residents’ quality of life. Vigdísarholt’s plans include building a nursing home where welfare, respect, and an individualized approach are central.”

Valdimar Víðisson, mayor, said that such development is about safety, service, and dignity for the elderly and their families. “We are now moving full speed ahead with the planning work so that the land will be ready for construction in 2027. This is a very important step for Hafnarfjörður, and I am pleased that we have a clear letter of intent for the development of a nursing home with up to 108 beds. The need is great.”

The master plan and design work will move forward in full following the signing of the letter of intent, with hopes that construction can begin in the first half of next year so that the new nursing home can start operations in 2029.

Photo caption: Top row: Margrét Vala Marteinsdóttir and Orri Björnsson, municipal representatives; Steingrímur Ari and Svanlaug Guðnadóttir from Vigdísarholt. Bottom row: Valdimar Víðisson, mayor; Inga Sæland, minister; and Kristján Sigurðsson, managing director of Vigdísarholt.