Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC and the City of Amsterdam (Zuidas) are working together on the area development of Kenniskwartier Zuidas. Within this framework, a cooperation agreement has been drawn up. Among other things, agreements have been made about the exchange of land. For example, the plot of the former Schoolwork Gardens was transferred from the municipality to VU Amsterdam. The Research Building was built here and in the future the Innovation Center will also be located here.
In exchange, VU Amsterdam is transferring the area where the W&N building currently stands to the municipality of Amsterdam for the purpose of housing SC Buitenveldert. Most of the building will be demolished once all activities are housed in the new buildings.
Pathway demolition W&N building in outline
The W&N building will largely be demolished because it no longer meets the housing requirements for high-quality education and research. Part of the building will be retained and renovated, the AB wing. The process started in 2024, which included the dismantling of the cyclotron center, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
The demolition will be done as sustainably as possible and released materials will be reused wherever possible, preferably on the VU Campus. The demolition work will take place in phases, with the safety of employees, students, local residents and those directly involved always being paramount and inconvenience being minimized as much as possible.
Such a large-scale demolition and renovation project inevitably has an impact on the trees and other greenery in the immediate vicinity of the building. A necessary, additional consequence is that trees and plants around the building must be removed. Removal always takes place outside the breeding season and only occurs when it is really necessary from a construction planning perspective.
VU Amsterdam has conducted careful flora and fauna research to carefully consider which trees and plants can be replanted. The replanting is also part of VU Amsterdam's plans in greening the campus grounds. The remaining trees and plants will be compensated through the municipality's replanting fund. The wood suitable for reuse will be crafted by Stadshout into products such as cutting boards, insect hotels, benches and toys.