The WTC on the east side of Zuidplein is set to become a veritable hub for the new economy, with the emphasis on finance, impact and tech. However, local residents and passing public transport users will also be more than welcome, stresses Jurre van Driel, development manager at CBRE Investment Management (CBRE IM), which owns the building: ‘Back in 1985, the WTC was, together with the NMB office building (now part of Atrium), the engine of Zuidas. We also want to be that now, in an area that’s rapidly changing from a business district into a real city district of Amsterdam.’
Vibrancy at eye level
The major changes start at the ground level, in the plinth of the building. At various places along the façade on Zuidplein, there will be a glass extension measuring half a metre with planting on top of it. In the centre, there will be a wooden awning, creating a pleasant terrace area underneath it. The building’s façade will be given new glazing, providing a clearer impression from the outside of what is happening inside. Van Driel: ‘That will hopefully encourage passers-by to come and take a look inside the WTC – it happens quite rarely at the moment.’
Sustainability upgrade
The plinth will not only have a new look, according to Van Driel, it will also be a more pleasant place to spend time: ‘We plan to significantly improve the indoor climate, through better insulation, new air circulation systems and improved lighting.’ But this is not just limited to the ground floor – CBRE IM is also taking advantage of the renovation work to significantly modernise towers 5, 7 and 8. Every floor will be stripped and fitted with new interiors and new systems, as we gradually transition towards Paris-proof.
Welcome (even at weekends)
The entrance in Zuidplein will lead to a well-lit, spacious foyer. It will have plenty of seating, with a clearly identifiable route to the hospitality outlets in the plinth on both sides. ‘With the renovated plinth and inviting entrance, we aim to increase footfall. That includes increasing the number of hospitality outlets, enabling them also to open at weekends’, explains Van Driel. The first example of this is set to happen as early as November this year, when a new coffee bar opens next to the entrance, even at weekends.
Events
Next to the two existing escalators in the reception area, there will be a normal staircase, above which the central foyer can be clearly seen. The aim is for the central foyer to become a living ecosystem, with a wide-ranging of events in the completely updated event rooms based on themes that may be of interest to tenants and visitors. These could include events about new technology and finances, or symposia about ideas with an impact on society. By then, the company canteen will have moved to the central foyer – in recent weeks, users of the building have had access to a temporary pop-up location here, so they can get used to the idea.
A place to spend time and not just commute
With his major renovation, CBRE is anticipating a future in which the centre of Zuidas will look very different. Van Driel: ‘Zuidplein on the north side of Amsterdam Zuid station is slowly but surely transforming from a traffic interchange into a place to enjoy spending time, of course partly thanks to the station regeneration and the tunnelling of the A10 Zuid by Zuidasdok.’ CBRE is happy to be part of that transformation, as shown by the motto devised for the renovation: ‘Welcome To Change’.
Schedule
- November 2025 completion of entrance
- Q1 2026 completion of central foyer/lobby
- Q1 & 2 2026 company canteen relocates to central foyer
- Q3 2026 completion of new plinth and façade
19 and 20 November: ‘40hrs – Welcome to Change’
The fortieth anniversary of the WTC is being celebrated in style on 19 and 20 November 2025, with a festival in the WTC lasting 40 hours. You can expect plenty of activities, including panels, presentations, seminars, hackathons and music. You can also sign up for a Sleep Out: hundreds of people will spend a night sleeping outside the WTC to raise money for the Sheltersuit Foundation, a charity for the homeless.
Share article:
Give your opinion
Get in touch with us