New constuction on Cruquius

The Cruquius area is located at the far end of the Oostelijke Handelskade in Amsterdam. In the coming years, the municipality will develop this industrial area into a residential and work area. Construction started in 2011.
The Cruquius area has the potential to grow into a unique work and residential area. It is interesting to transform the area because of the favorable location within the ring, the robust atmosphere of the area, the water present and the many possibilities of the terrain itself.
The renewal of the Cruquius area is different than in other areas in Amsterdam. The municipality does not make a detailed urban plan. Instead, it gives promoters the opportunity to use their own knowledge, expertise and creativity to carry out projects that fit the desired development of the area. This means that initiators are given space, but also have greater responsibility towards the neighborhood.
In the new approach much is possible, but not everything. The plans of initiators have to fit within the conditions that the municipality has drawn up for the Cruquius area, the so-called Game Rules and Game Rules. This includes the most important spatial assumptions and ambitions that the municipality has for the development of the Cruquius area to an attractive working and residential area.
So there is no traditional way of planning development, with a detailed description of functions and destinations. Instead, the area will develop more ‘organic’. This also means that the development takes place gradually. This allows the development to adapt to the wishes and needs of its users.
Consult with the neighborhood
An important part of the new way of working is that an initiator provides consultation and cooperation with entrepreneurs and local residents in the area. This has to be realized at an early stage, because ideas and suggestions from residents and stakeholders lead to better plans. Consultation with the neighborhood is therefore crucial. The municipality allows the degree of resident participation in a plan to be taken into account when making its decision about the feasibility and desirability of an initiative.
Structural vision 2040
The development of the Cruquius area is in line with the Amsterdam 2040 Structural Vision. The Zeeburgerpad was designated as a residential area to be developed and the Cruquiusweg as a work and residential area to be developed. This means that at least 25 percent of the current activity on the Zeeburgerpad is retained while the Cruquiusweg retains 50 percent of the current activity.