Mayor: Tórshavn needs a multisports hall

It recently became clear that the sports hall á Hálsi in Tórshavn is not approved to host the upcoming home games in the Euro 2020 handball qualifiers.

In response to the news, Annika Olsen, mayor of Tórshavn Municipality, has now proposed that a multisports complex ought to be built in the capital.

The mayor intends to discuss the proposal in connection with the City Council’s 2019 budget talks.

She says that the 50-metre swimming pool, the Tórsvøllur national football stadium and the golf course are currently the top priority in the council’s budget plans.

Planning for the swimming pool, which is estimated to cost DKK 100 million, will start this autumn. The council aims to budget DKK 50m for 2019 and the remaining DKK 50m for 2020 to complete the project.

The expansion of Tórsvøllur, which the City Council finances together with the Faroese Football Association, will cost the council DKK 6-8m per year until 2023.

Mrs Olsen hopes that the state will help with the financing of a multicomplex sports complex.

The European Handball Federation (EHF) is currently looking into the suitability of the Marghøllin multisports arena in Vágur, Suðuroy, as a host of the Euro 2020 qualifier home games. This inspection includes details on heating of the arena, travel services to Suðuroy and accommodation in the area. However, according to the Faroese Handball Federation (HSF), the Suðuroy solution will be an expensive affair.

HSF chairwoman Gunn Ellefsen believes the Marghøllin itself may well receive EHF approval, but she doubts whether the travel and accommodation requirements can be met.

“We cannot afford to build a new handball pitch and spectator seats for at least 2,000 people,” she said.

The HSF is working hard on a solution and will soon decide on the matter, she added.

The Faroese team is grouped with Denmark, Montenegro and Ukraine in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Translated by prosa.fo