Reykjavíkurborg (Reykjavík City) has rejected accusations from KSÍ (Knattspyrnusamband Íslands – the Football Association of Iceland), about a lack of consultation regarding construction of a temporary school village near Laugardalsvöllur.
The chair of KSÍ claimed the project was not in line with the approved local development plan, but the city denies this.
The school village is being established at the corner of Reykjavegur and Engjateigur, on what is currently a car park. It will house temporary school and after-school activities during maintenance work on existing buildings in Laugardalur.
Reykjavíkurborg states that the construction is based on approved building plans from 18 March 2025, along with a valid building permit issued on 12 June 2025. The city strongly denies that any work began without proper planning approval or that KSÍ was left out of the loop.
KSÍ had expressed concern over the project and dissatisfaction that groundwork began in early June without prior consultation. The KSÍ chair claimed that construction machinery was brought to the site without the association being notified, and that the project did not align with existing planning regulations.
“In early 2025, informed dialogue and consultation were established with KSÍ, and the school village project manager has maintained regular and detailed communication with KSÍ representatives,” the city’s statement said.
The plans presented to KSÍ included site drawings and a project timeline. In March, the project manager informed KSÍ that construction would begin in summer.
KSÍ has also voiced concern about safety, particularly regarding ambulance access in light of plans to close one of the access roads to the Laugardalsvöllur car park.
The city responded that special emphasis has been placed on pedestrian safety and access, especially for schoolchildren. As part of this, closing direct crossings into Reykjavegur was necessary.
“Emergency vehicle access will continue to be ensured via an alternative route, which will remain closed to general traffic,” the city said.
Source: Ruv.is
