Local council leaders of Húnabyggð municipality and investment firm Info Capital have announced plans to renovate the old town centre of Blönduós, a town in North Iceland.
150 year-old pearl
In an interview with Vísir, local councilman Guðmundur Haukur Jakobsson called the town centre “an old pearl” that has remained largely hidden to tourists. Built 150 years ago, the settlement is a historical site, once the site of a bustling community. However, since the completion of Route 1, Blönduós has been reduced to a place where one refuels and grabs a hot dog.
The new investment plans intend to change this, transforming the town into a historical destination in its own right, with hotels, restaurants, and other amenities.
Thriving business life
The investment company is reported as having already purchased property in the town. Guðmundur stated, “We want to have a thriving cultural and business life here […] There is so much history here. We are polishing the future plans, and we hope to start building soon.”
Several members of Info Capital’s management have roots in the community as well, such as Reynir Grétarsson, owner and chairman of the board. Considered “an old local,” Guðmundur stated in the interview that it was a natural choice for them to work with a community they already have such a connection to.
