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Strandgata 1 is set for major changes following Hlíf’s acquisition

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The surroundings of the old library at Strandgata 1 will undergo a transformation with the purchase of the building by the labour union Hlíf. The purchase agreements for this building, as well as for Austurgata 4 and 6, have now been signed.

Labour union in the heart of Hafnarfjörður

The surroundings of the old library at Strandgata 1 will undergo a transformation with the purchase of the building by the labour union Hlíf. The purchase agreements for this property, as well as for Austurgata 4 and 6, have now been signed.

Six apartments, along with shops and service companies, will be located on the site. The union’s operations will also be housed there. The union aims to establish an event and art exhibition hall and to strengthen its educational activities and course offerings.

Eyþór Þ. Árnason, chairman of Hlíf, says he is very pleased. He notes that the union has been growing in recent years, with an increase in membership. Their premises at Reykjavíkurvegur 64 have limited their operations. With the new premises, they can better meet their obligations to members and provide improved services.

Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor, says it is pleasing that development is beginning on this beautiful site in the heart of Hafnarfjörður. Shops, services, and apartments will be on the site, bringing more life to the town centre.

The town hall area is changing

Major changes will take place on the site at Strandgata 1. The Town Hall Square will be upgraded alongside the development by Hlíf. The union is working with Plús Architects on the changes and the construction of the six apartments: two on the top floor of Strandgata 1, two at Austurgata 4, and two at Austurgata 6. On the ground floor of the Austurgata buildings that face Strandgata, there will be shops and services.

The union itself plans to use two floors, as well as the basement, in the old library building for its operations. The main activities of the union are planned to take place on the ground floor and mezzanine. There will be reception, staff offices, and meeting rooms related to wage affairs, holiday services, education, and the sickness fund.

The second floor is intended to house workspaces for staff who are not in daily contact with members and, to some extent, rooms for courses. The mezzanine, which is currently the children’s section of the library, is planned to be used for courses, a standing art exhibition, and occasional events, such as art shows.

The nearly 120‑year history of the labour union

The labour union Hlíf was founded in 1907 in the Good Templars’ House on Suðurgata. It has operated continuously since then. The union will be 120 years old in just over a year. It has grown significantly in size and scope, especially in recent years. In 2025, more than 7,300 individuals made payments to the union for at least part of the year.

The number of full members has doubled since 2020. About half of the members are Icelandic citizens, while the other half come from 83 different countries. Nearly one quarter of the members come from Poland, says Eyþór.

Hlíf is a young union in the sense that most members are young people. The average age of members is 33, and three out of four are under 40. Women are the majority, making up about 53 percent of the membership.

With the property purchase, the union sees an opportunity to strengthen its educational work. There is enough space for the current staff, and the union also plans to hire at least one Polish‑speaking labour rights officer. The union also intends to bring its accounting in‑house, which has been outsourced due to lack of space at the current location.

Yes, the labour union’s activities will grow in its new location in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.

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