Reykjavík offers Samhjálp two locations for coffeehouse

Reykjavík city authorities have offered the Samhjálp organisation two premises as a possible new home for its coffeehouse, mbl.is reports. The service has been without a permanent location since the building permit for a planned coffeehouse on Grensásvegur was revoked.

The coffeehouse has temporarily operated from Philadelphia Church while a solution to its premises needs was sought.

“Last month, we instructed Reykjavík City employees to conduct an extensive search for suitable premises for the Samhjálp coffeehouse,” Reykjavík Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir told Morgunblaðið. “The coffeehouse is not part of Reykjavík City’s operations and is not our responsibility, but we naturally want it to find a good location in Reykjavík so that its work can continue without interruption.”

The city has identified two spaces it considers suitable and has sent Samhjálp information about them, inviting the organisation to inspect them. Björnsdóttir said one is near the coffeehouse’s current location, close to Philadelphia Church, while the other is west at Grandi. She did not disclose the exact locations.

The city is awaiting Samhjálp’s response and hopes it will be positive. Björnsdóttir said the city would also look for ways to prevent any interruption in service, including the possibility of allowing the organisation to use the city hall cafeteria for several weeks if necessary to bridge a gap.

Residents expressed opposition when the coffeehouse was assigned a location on Grensásvegur. Björnsdóttir said the premises now being offered are not close to residential neighbourhoods and are farther from them than the Grensásvegur location.

“We know the work will probably be controversial wherever it is located. But I am certain that once it begins, it will become clear that it does not cause the disturbance people have been concerned about,” she said.