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City Executive approves new Kenniskwartier development

The area involved, known as the ‘western development field’, is part of the Kenniskwartier neighbourhood (Knowledge District). Together with VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC, we are transforming it into an ‘innovation district’ that brings together housing, health, science and entrepreneurship. The northern section of the Kenniskwartier is made of two areas of development, west and east. In the east, the multifunctional building, The Pulse of Amsterdam is currently under construction. This is also the location of OBA NEXT, a public learning and development centre for all Amsterdam citizens that opens its doors in 2027. On the southern side, VU Amsterdam’s new research building is being built.

The ‘western development field’ along the A10, next to The Edge (August 2021)

U-shaped blocks

The development plan approved by the City Executive on 20 March 2022 concerns the ‘western development field’, between The Edge (Deloitte/AKD offices) on the left and The Pulse of Amsterdam on the right. Together, they form a single urban design unit. They are being designed as two U-shaped blocks, both of them set around a courtyard garden. They will be connected to each other by a footbridge across a future canal.

The two U-shaped blocks with courtyard gardens

Noise nuisance

The development plan makes it possible to have housing in the west, despite this form of zoning being designated as noise-sensitive. It exceeds the limits laid down in the Noise Abatement Act (Wet geluidhinder) and, for this reason, the Executive has made an exception for this development plan allowing these excessive noise levels. This is necessary in order to enable the construction of housing here. All of the dwellings will have a quiet side, in order to guarantee acceptable living conditions. There will also be amenities and offices.

The western field of development, between The Edge (left) and The Pulse (right, under construction).

View the plans

The initial draft of the development plan (‘Uitwerkingsplan Zuidas-Kenniskwartier Noordstrook (eerste uitwerking)’) and the decision to allow higher noise levels (‘Besluit tot vaststelling hogere waarden’) are available for consultation for a six-week period at the following addresses:

  • City Office at City Hall, Amstel 1, Amsterdam. For opening times, call 14 020 or consult the website
  • Zuid City Office, President Kennedylaan 923, Amsterdam. For opening times, call 14 020 or consult the website

Appeals

Interested parties have a six-week period starting on 31 March 2022 in which to lodge an appeal against these decisions with the Administrative Justice Division of the Council of State.

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