Description
The opening of the Westergasfabriek Culture Park, septembre 7th, was a huge success! More than 10,000 visitors filled the events field. Coinciding with the annual festival ’Kijk Op De Wijk’ meant that there was an abundance of art, culture, music, sport and games activities going on. A procession float was organized, which symbolised the transition of the Centre.
The park is now open, but not everything is quite finished. Work is still being completed on the korfball field, the central axis and the gasholder’s foundations.
The cultural use of the Westergasfabriek was long regarded as temporary, an "interim phase" before a permanent function could be found. But it has now become clear that hosting cultural activities is in fact the key to the successful redevelopment of the complex.
Its characteristic buildings and unique surroundings have attracted cultural organizations from beyond the city, and sometimes outside the Netherlands.
A cultural image is an inherent part of our vision for the complex.
But there’s more!
The Westergasfabriek is a complex soil decontamination project: pollution has been isolated by means of a covering layer.
It is a remarkable park project: a park worthy of the twenty-first century is to be laid out on top of the new soil layer.
It is a unique architectural restoration project: the factory buildings are all listed as protected monuments and are to be restored to their former glory.
The Westergasfabriek is an excellent example of how a site can be put to good use while awaiting a more permanent designation. It is a project which symbolizes our evolution from the industrial age into the communications era.
Former use : Gasfactory
Surface of the site : 16 hectares
Location : city
Foundation year : 1896, cultural use 1992
Type of occupation : lease
Owner of the building : MAB B.V. (project developer)
Infrastructures :
Rehearsal studios
Production studios
Multi-use space
Venues
Dance hall
Theatre hall
Art gallery/exhibition places
Associations spaces
Training places
Photo laboratory
Atelier
Bar/Restaurant
Artists residencies: At the moment, long-term rental space is limited due to renovations. By now, you will be able to put your name on the waiting list for long-term rental space in the buildings when they open in the future.
Short term projects, such as video shoots and meetings, are welcome (1 to 2 days maximum).
Social and artistic disciplines
Music
Dance
Theatre
Photohgraphy
Fashion
Opera
The local authority has decided that no more than six major events are to be permitted in any one year.
Other structures/organisations or companies settled on the site
Cinema "het Ketelhuis " www.ketelhuis.nl
Financial support
District council of Amsterdam
Networks
IETM
