Strandgata 1 undergoes a transformation with the purchase of Hlíf.
The area around the old library at 1 Strandgata will be transformed following the trade union Hlíf's purchase of the premises. The purchase of the premises, as well as those at 4 and 6 Austurgata, has been signed.
Trade Union in the heart of Hafnarfjörður
The area around the old library at 1 Strandgata will be transformed following the trade union Hlíf's purchase of the premises. The purchase of the premises, as well as those at 4 and 6 Austurgata, has been signed.
Six flats, as well as shops and service businesses, will be on the site. The trade union's activities will also be housed there. The association plans to set up an events and art gallery, and to enhance its education and course provision.
„I'm really optimistic. The association has been growing in recent years. Our membership has increased. Our premises at 64 Reykjavikurvegur have limited our activities. With new premises, we can better fulfil our duties to our members and provide them with a better service,“ says Eyþór Þ. Árnason, chairman of Hlíf.
Mayor Valdimar Víðisson says it is pleasing that development is beginning on this beautiful site in the heart of Hafnarfjörður. „Retail, services and flats will be on the site, which will bring more life to the town centre.“
Town Hall Square is undergoing changes
Major changes are coming to the site at 1 Strandgata. Ráðhústorg will be upgraded alongside the development at Hlíf. The company is working with Plús Arkitektar 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. The ground floor of the Austurgata buildings facing Strandgata will house 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.
The nearly 120-year history of the trade union
The trade union Hlíf was founded in 1907 in the Good Templar Hall on Suðurgata. It has been in continuous operation since then. The union will be 120 years old in just over a year's time. It has grown significantly in size and scope, particularly in recent years. In 2025, just over 7,300 individuals paid into the union for 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 other countries. Almost a quarter of the members come from Poland,“ says Eyþór.
Hlíf is a young association in the sense that the majority of its members are young people. The average age of its members is 33, and three out of four are under the age of 40. Women are in the majority, making up around 53% of the membership.
With the acquisition, the trade union sees an opportunity to enhance its educational work. There is ample space for the current staff, in addition to which the union plans to add at least one Polish-speaking industrial relations officer. The union also intends to handle its own bookkeeping, which has been outsourced due to a lack of space at its current premises.
Yes, the trade union's operations will be strengthened in a new location in the heart of Hafnarfjörður.