Flensborg harbour steps into the future

A future vision of the Flensborg harbor is approved!

Flensborg harbour (Flensborgarhöfn) is stepping into the future with a new local planning proposal that Hafnarfjörður’s town council approved and published last week.

“We look forward to seeing a new, elegant port district rise in the heart of the town and hope that construction will begin as soon as possible.” Emphasis has been placed on designing the master plan, which started with a design competition six years ago,” says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, mayor of Hafnarfjörður.

“Apartments will be built there and diverse opportunities for recreation and services will be created. The new settlement will be well connected to the center of Hafnarfjörður, expand it and increase access to services. The town will become an even more desirable place to visit while retaining its distinctive character.”

Rósa says that the number of above-ground parking spaces has increased considerably from previous design ideas that had been presented, especially for the planned service spaces.

A new local plan will be introduced

The local plan for the new Flensborg harbour is now being advertised, and residents have six weeks to assess the plans and express their opinion. An introductory meeting will be held during that time frame.

The regional planning area is bound by Strandgata, Fornubúðir and the ocean. The size of the site is approximately 4.4 hectares. Commercial activities are generally expected to be on the ground floor levels of the buildings, where a wide range of services will be the guiding principle. These include cafes, restaurants and convenience stores. The floor height of commercial and service premises on the ground floors will be a minimum of 4 meters.

There are various access routes to the site for pedestrians, car and bike traffic, and the idea is that it will be an extension of Hafnarfjörður’s downtown area. Since there will be a lot of economic activity and services in the area, it is important to create good access for everyone.

Inspired by the settlement pattern of Hafnarfjörður

The precedent is that in 2018 Hafnarfjarðarbær held a design competition in collaboration with The Icelandic Architect society (Arkitektafélag Íslands), to create a framework for the Flensborg Harbor and Óseyri-area. Two proposals were successful. The winning proposals were combined into one, which was later developed into an amendment to the master plan.

The goal of the framework plan was to increase the intertwining of the town and the harbour with a dense and mixed settlement in harmony with the adjacent neighborhood and harbour activities. The aim was to create a coherent settlement in the spirit of the history and environmental quality that already exists in the town, by changing land use and improving the use of current infrastructure.

The concept for the layout of the Flensborg harbour is inspired by the historical settlement pattern of Hafnarfjörður and is aimed at creating an organic connection between buildings and enriching human life between them. Instead of a modern structure, which is often characterized by regulated urban areas with courtyards and fenced plots, the emphasis is on open flow and good access throughout the area as a whole, which results in an exciting atmosphere, spaces and increased use.

Main subjects and objectives

• The overall feel of the area will be changed through improved utilization. During the development of the area, it will take into account its special characteristics and its unique position in the townscape of Hafnarfjörður.
• The quality, sustainability and value of the area will be increased through better land use, denser settlements and improved environment and quality of life for users and residents.
• Emphasis placed on the attractive appearance of the settlement, high-quality finishing of buildings, open town squares and lively activities on part of the ground floors, which creates a diverse atmosphere.
• Traffic connections into the area will be improved with traffic safety as a guiding principle. There will be a good connection to the surrounding area and the city center with paths for pedestrians and cyclists. There will be good access to the marina and traffic flow at the south harbor will continue to be ensured in harmony with the new development.
• Planning a simple and cost-effective street and path system (walking and cycling paths) that serves the settlement in the best and safest way possible, with an emphasis on good access for all.
• That local planning promotes environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions in the neighborhood’s infrastructure and on every plot, e.g. with concessions and/or incentives for those who build eco-friendly and certified buildings.
• That planning and decision-making will be in accordance with the United Nations Global Goals, which are based on the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable development.

Read all about the ocean-lines, traffic interest, the “Harbour Carpet” (Hafnarteppið) and the town harbour squares here (Icelandic) and below you can view images that will inspire the design.

Indeed, Hafnarfjörður continues to shine brightly into the future!