the Zuidas Vision 2016 document summary

the Zuidas Vision 2016 document summary

INTRODUCTION Zuidas has grown to become a unique Amsterdam district of international allure. Not only is it a popular location for businesses, it is also increasingly becoming an attractive neighbourhood to live in. Zuidas is not yet finished. Far from it. There will in the coming years be thousands of new homes and residents. The excellent road and rail links are also causing an increase in car and train traffic in Zuidas. Due to the growing need for mobility, Amsterdam is about to experience the largest building operation in the area, namely the construction of Zuidasdok, by which the ring road is to be widened and partially moved underground and space created for public transport. The main challenge for the coming years is, on one hand, to build and shape Zuidasdok and, at the same time, enhance the residential, work and living qualities of the area. The Zuidas Vision 2016 describes the way in which the area is being developed. In doing so the focus is not only on the final vision, but explicitly also on the here and now. What does the construction work mean for companies? What is it like living in Zuidas? Amsterdam is inviting parties to come and invest in the area. Investing not only means money, but also ideas, initiatives by residents and business people and also partnerships. The Zuidas Vision is structured according to themes. The themes correspond to the priorities of the city council of Amsterdam for the coming years. Sustainability is an integral element of this Vision and features in all the themes. Subareas of Zuidas What is new in the Zuidas Vision 2016? Zuidasdok: the widening of the motorway and its relocation into a tunnel, as well as the above-ground construction of a new public transport terminal. Growth of Amsterdam Zuid station to become Amsterdam s second station. Priority for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport in order to keep Zuidas accessible. Continued growth towards a mixed neighbourhood in which to live and work, as part of the Amsterdam s DNA. Focus not only on the final vision, but also on the path leading to it. The development of Zuidas as a joint assignment of all the parties that are active in the area.

VISION ZUIDAS 2030 Pedestrian area (used intensively) Mixed area with accent on residential Mixed area with accent on work Mixed area Green route Indication of recreational area Improvement to cycling network Zuid-Westboog (projected) North/South line Extension of North/South line to Schiphol (projected) Urban street for all types of traffic

This map shows two important developments in Zuidas: a shift in accent away from work and more to residential and to improving accessibility by bicycle and public transport. During the coming 15 years the area is going to change into a mixed urban district with more than 7,000 homes. The residential programme is strongly represented in Gershwin and the adjacent subareas of Knowledge Quarter [Kenniskwartier] and Ravel. Amsterdam Zuid Station is growing into the gateway to Amsterdam. Space is available in the vicinity of the station entrances for bicycles, trams and buses. The public space around the station is intended for pedestrians. Some of the parcelling shown on this map is not yet definitive.

THEME: ZUIDAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION The rapid development of Zuidas is increasing the pressure on the area. The number of residents and users is growing and buildings are constantly being built and altered. On top of this comes the construction of Zuidasdok from 2019 onwards. Consequently, there is every reason to pay extra attention to the question of how the quality of the area can be maintained and where it can even be improved. 1 Ensure good accessibility The numerous construction activities, including Zuidasdok, are bringing pressure to bear on Zuidas. With a view to preventing the area from grinding to a standstill, area management is high on the agenda. In addition, the Zuidasdok schedule of requirements stipulates that the area has to remain optimally accessible. For example, Amsterdam Zuid station will continue to be used, the key roads in the area will not be closed off all at the same time and diversions will be clearly indicated. Beethovenstraat Beatrixpark Minervalaan WTC Strawinskylaan Minervapassage STATION ZUID Parnassusweg Brittenpasssage ABN-AMRO Matthijs Vermeulenpad Mahlerlaan Arnold Schönberglaan Amsterdam Zuid Station as intersection of public transport connections

2 Maintaining the quality of the area and the quality of life in the area Amsterdam regards it as its responsibility to keep the quality of Zuidas streets and streetscape at a high level. One of the ways the city wants to do this is through measures which reduce nuisance, for example the imposition of maximum permitted noise and vibration levels on construction work. There is also a focus on creating pleasant areas for people to spend time in and on improving the level of facilities. The Zuidas Life programme is important precisely during the construction work in order to maintain and improve the atmosphere in the area. 3 Excellent public information and communication The large number of building projects in and around Zuidas means that excellent public information and communication are essential. Amsterdam is doing this by setting up a single central information centre together with Zuidasdok. This centre is a physical presence in the area and is a source of honest and comprehensive information about the construction work. The presence of people makes Zuidas a nice place to be. Photo: Eric Dix

THEME: INTERNATIONAL AND AMBITIOUS Zuidas has grown to become a successful international business centre. This is expressed in, among other things, the clustering of knowledge-intensive companies and organisations that are leaders in their fields. Zuidas excludes opportunities and ambitions and provides an ideal environment for the people who work and study there to develop their (international) careers. In the coming years, Amsterdam Zuidas wants to reinforce its position as a business centre and make it accessible to the high-end business community, as well as for people who live, work and visit the area or travel through it. What is more, Amsterdam is certainly not focusing just on the construction of new buildings. After all, most of the intended office area has already been built. Improving the existing buildings is high on the agenda. In addition, the kind of facilities in the area are also determining its international character. The strength of Zuidas is determined by, among other things, the proximity of Schiphol. Photo: Dorian Kransberg 1 Continue to develop the current success of Zuidas as the ultimate international business centre in the Netherlands Amsterdam is tightening the selection criteria for the development of new office buildings. The emphasis is going to be on end users with an international orientation that fulfil the condition of developing a sustainable building. Flexibility, multifunctionality and the meeting function are key. As regards company acquisitions, the emphasis is on attracting a wide variety of sectors. Amsterdam is in constant contact with owners and end users with a view to defining ambitions together in relation to the quality of the area, sustainability, health and flexibility. The RAI, Court, VU and VUmc are to be integrated more effectively into the area from both the spatial and functional perspectives. More facilities are going to be put in place to make Zuidas

more lively and to reinforce the area as an attractive international business environment. This means, for example, high-quality cultural facilities and education at all levels. 2 Commit to knowledge and innovation Together with the knowledge institutions present, the existing concentration of companies and the available room for development, Zuidas has the potential to continue developing into a knowledge cluster of significant importance for the city and region. Amsterdam is developing subarea Kenniskwartier [Knowledge Quarter] to become an area devoted to meeting, inspiration and the exchange of knowledge, and the belief is that there are opportunities here for university-related activities. 3 Make Zuidas accessible for a wider audience Zuidas offers opportunities to all residents of Amsterdam who have (international) ambitions. The aim is also to make the benefits of the area available to a broader target group (residents, students, visitors, people travelling through the area). Amsterdam is doing this by initiating partnerships and/or training programmes and by incorporating Zuidas more effectively into the environment so that it becomes a more logical part of the city. Zuidas is becoming increasingly busy, with a mix of residents, workers, students and tourists. Photo: Dorian Kransberg 4 Reinforce the presence and visibility of art and culture as one of the carriers of the area Creativity and economy are interwoven, certainly in Amsterdam. An inspiring cultural climate is essential for the development of Zuidas. The city is creating space for arts and cultural institutions and the conditions for creative and artistic programming.

THEME: A LIVELY RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBOURHOOD Zuidas is increasingly becoming a place to live. Around 2,000 people lived in Zuidas in 2016 and that number is rising quickly. The ambition is to make Zuidas a popular place to live with a wide diversity of properties. This means more residents and therefore more life in the street. The basis of support for facilities is increasing. Residents also impose other demands on their living environment. For that reason, Amsterdam is paying a great deal of attention to creating attractive public spaces. 1 Offer space to a wide range of high-quality newly built houses for various target groups Zuidas is going to become a neighbourhood with a wide diversity of new, light houses for a wide range of target groups, from first-time buyers to old-age pensioners and from international young professionals to city families. In order to achieve the intended diversity of types of properties, the point of departure is that at least 30% of them must fall into the social segment. This also includes student accommodation. In addition, at least 30% of the properties must be private sector rental properties, and at least half of these must be within the reach of middle income earners. There will still be sufficient space for different emphases in the subareas. 2 Commit to an attractive residential environment with suitable facilities The proximity of sufficient facilities is a decisive factor for the success of the urban residential environment. Amsterdam is committed to the establishment of cafés, restaurants, shops, schools, day-care centres and sports and care facilities at logical locations. 3 Offer space for residents ideas and initiatives The continuing development of Zuidas is causing an increase in the number of people who want to contribute to the future of the area. Amsterdam is providing the space to do so, for example by taking participation as a point of departure when designing public space. Future Existing Homes 400.000m 2 200.000m 2 Future Facilities 600.000m 2 Existing 1.000.000m 2 900.000m 2 300.000m 2 Future Offices Existing Spread of homes, offices and facilities. The term existing also includes real estate which is under construction.

THEME: LINKED BY GREEN SPACES AND WATER The quality of life is playing an ever-increasing role in the choice of location by people and companies, particularly the presence of an attractive public space with greenery and water. There has to be sufficient space to relax, play and be creative. Zuidas and the surrounding area offer space to do all that and this is something that Amsterdam wants to use and connect more effectively. 1 Add and improve greenery and water in and around Zuidas for diverse and intensive use Amsterdam is working on a logical network of greenery and water. The city is doing this by, for example, creating small parks in each subarea, by planting more trees and by making the Beatrice Park suitable for more intensive use. 2 Link greenery and water in and around Zuidas and make it more accessible Zuidas and the surrounding area are rich in greenery and water. Amsterdam is committed to creating a better link with the Amstel and the Nieuwe Meer and to making, among other things, sports facilities available to the public. Investigations are being carried out to determine whether locations in Zuidas can be made suitable for swimming activities. 3 Greenery and water in public and private space are helping to make Zuidas a nice place to live, robust and rainproof. Temperatures in this city are increasing and rainfall is becoming more extreme. The effects of the wind in a high-rise environment requires continuous attention. For that reason, Amsterdam wants to make smart use of water and greenery in public and private spaces. One of the ways it wants to do this is by creating green roofs and designing sufficient locations for water storage. Wind surveys are being carried out at buildings which are more than 30 metres high and solutions are being sought in the architecture and the planting of trees. Existing and new buildings also offer opportunities for the incorporation of greenery and water. Photo: Arjan Molenaar

THEME: CHOOSE THE BIKE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT Much of the success of Zuidas is down to its excellent accessibility, both by car and public transport, on foot and by bike. What is more, Schiphol is just a stone s throw away. Maintaining and continually improving accessibility is high on the agenda. The same applies to the quality of life and the quality of public space. Creating space for accessibility can be at odds with our ambitions to make Zuidas a pleasant place to be in. In order to guarantee long-term accessibility, users of Zuidas are encouraged to travel at different times or choose forms of transport other than the car. In order to make the bicycle and public transport valid alternatives, Amsterdam is investing substantially in both forms of transport. What is more, Amsterdam is committing to smart and efficient use of the existing infrastructure. 1 More space for public transport The completion of the North/South metro line, the OV SAAL railway expansion project and the national High-Frequency Railway [Hoogfrequent Spoor] programme will significantly improve the public transport accessibility of Zuidas. What is more, Amsterdam is improving travel connections and regional public transport links (such as the possible extension of the North/South line to Riekerpolder and Schiphol) and will continue to do so in the long term. Amsterdam Zuid station is to become a high-quality and efficient station. Buikslotermeerplein Isolatorweg 4 Station Sloterdijk Amsterdam Centraal 3 Waterlooplein Station Lelylaan 5 Vijzelgracht Weesperplein Science Park Amstelveenseweg Station Zuid Station Amstel 1 Riekerpolder VU RAI Spaklerweg Van der Madeweg Station Duivendrecht Schiphol Station Bijlmer Arena Gaasperplas 2 Westwijk Uithoorn Gein 1 Projected North/South line from Amsterdam Zuid Station - Schiphol 2 Projected Amstelveen line from Westwijk - Uithoorn 3 Projected route change of line 51 to Ring Line Decisions about investments in public transport still have to be taken. 4 5 Projected closure of the Ring Line between Isolatorweg and Amsterdam Central Station Projected East/West Line between Science Park - Schiphol

2 More space for pedestrians and cyclists Amsterdam is going to create more space for pedestrians and cyclists by making the core area largely car-free, by providing rapid and safe routes and by creating more bicycle parking spots. In total, there will be approximately 15,000 public bicycle parking spots in the immediate vicinity of the station. The current Minerva passage is to be widened with more space for shops and catering establishments. Impression: CIID/ Cees van Giessen 3 Smarter use of available infrastructure Amsterdam is using the existing infrastructure as smartly and efficiently as possible, for example by encouraging the users of Zuidas to make other mobility choices and by using new techniques (such as a dynamic smart bicycle parking system). Change the question. From How many CARS can we move down a street? to How many PEOPLE can we move down a street? Mikael Colville-Andersen (Copenhagenize) from cars per hour to people per m 2

LOOKING BEYOND 2030 The Zuidas Vision describes the development up until 2030. Although the construction of Zuidasdok will more or less have been completed by then, the expectation is that the development of the urban centre will still be in full swing. During this period, the 5th and 6th railway lines will probably be constructed. The question is whether these will be overground or underground. Both are still an option. In addition, another two types of development are interesting and likely to be successful in the long term. First of all, locations are being sought in Buitenveldert for a further densification, primarily in the form of extra housing. Another possibility is to (re)develop the area around Schinkel. A possible future extension of the North/ South line may stimulate such a development. Amsterdam is also looking into the possibilities of improving public transport accessibility of Zuidas in the long term. Some activities are planned for the distant future and many are still being studied. Decisions still have to be taken about the related investments. IIllustration: Made in May and Naigel Vermeulen

ZUIDAS LIFE Zuidas is increasingly becoming a lively international urban district where living, working and spending time go together at a high level. In the years ahead Zuidas will face many significant challenges, including with regard to the quality of life in the area. In order to guarantee the success of Zuidas and in order for it to remain a top location during the many construction activities and the building of Zuidasdok, the municipality of Amsterdam is proposing a programme which revolves around residents, users and visitors. Besides the impressive buildings, designed by leading international architects, there are numerous surprising and inspiring activities which enhance the quality of life of the area. In this respect, the buildings and the facilities are regarded as hardware and the activities in and through the area as the software. The Zuidas Life programme is the lubricant which ensures that projects are implemented properly and positively. Zuidas Life will lead to intensive programming, initiating and facilitating. Quality of life is something you create together, with partners in the area, and not from behind a desk. However, it is important to keep an eye on the horizon of the vision. For that reason, a method of working is being proposed which combines the best of both worlds, namely inspiration, ideas and network from outside and experience in connection with the subareas on the inside. The goal of the Zuidas Life programme is to ensure that Zuidas becomes a lively, pleasant Amsterdam neighbourhood which people enjoy visiting and working, spending time and living in. Everyone is free to put forward initiatives. This means residents, visitors, working people, entrepreneurs, the municipality, the university and universities of applied science and the hospitals. Indeed, anyone involved in Zuidas can participate actively and proactively in the programme. Zuidas Life is by everyone and for everyone. The Zuidas Life programme is linked to the themes of the vision of the urban development of Zuidas for the area. In Zuidas the opportunities are there for the taking. Zuidas Life has itemised and visualised these opportunities and, in the coming years, is going to connect resources and people in and around Zuidas in order to realise these opportunities. The (market) parties in Zuidas are being approached in various ways with a view to investing in this. The Zuidas Life programme is becoming visible and tangible in the area and more and more people are experiencing its impact. The programme is inspiring the area s users and is encouraging them to share ideas and actively participate. In this way Zuidas Life is a source of inspiration for the area s further development. Activities such as the Zuidas Run contribute to the liveliness of the area. Photo: Wouter van Ierssel

where business meets city life WTC, Centrale Hal Strawinskylaan 59 1077 XW Amsterdam Telephone: + 31 20 5752111 www.zuidas.nl June 2017. No rights may be derived from this summary.