The trade union Hlíf gets the keys to Strandgata 1
The City of Hafnarfjörður has handed over the keys to the trade union Hlíf for the property at 1 Strandgata. Construction work will now begin, and Hlíf's representatives aim to move the union into the building for its 120th anniversary.
„There is a great deal of anticipation among the staff and members,“ says Guðmundur Rúnar Árnason, managing director of the trade union Hlíf. „We dream of being able to move here for our 120th anniversary,“ he adds, as the union was founded around the turn of January and February 1907. „We're aiming to move the building at the beginning of next year,“ says Gudmundur.
Please bring the keys
Gudmundur took the keys to the old library at 1 Strandgata this afternoon. The mayor, the director of the Environment and Operations Committee and the Directorate of Services and Development, together with the head of the library, handed the keys over to him.
„My warmest congratulations,“ said the mayor, Thórður Thórarinsson. "The spirit was good in the house, and it was good to hand it over to them on such a bright day.".
Work on the redesign of the house has already begun. „We've been short of space,“ says Gudmundur. „We haven't been able to carry out any educational work properly for several years. We're looking forward to making changes in our new premises.“
Changes to the house and its surroundings
As was reported when the purchase was announced, major changes will be made to the site at 1 Strandgata. Ráðhústorg will be upgraded alongside the development by Hlíf. The company is working with Plús Arkítektar on the changes and the development of the six flats; 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 facing Strandgata there will be shops and services.
The association itself intends to use two floors, in addition to the basement, in the old library for its activities. The main activities of the association are planned for the ground and first floors. There will be a reception, staff offices and meeting rooms for matters relating to the wages department, holiday department, training and the sickness fund.
The plan is for the second floor to house staff workspaces, which would not be in the daily reception area for members, and, in part, a space for holding courses. The mezzanine, which currently houses the library's children's section, the association plans to use for courses, a permanent art exhibition, and occasional events, such as art exhibitions.
Yes, so our library for the people of Hafnarfjörður in the Firth opens later this month!