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.
Greening VU Campus
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 insect hotels and benches.
Demolition updates
Keep up to date with demolition developments. Current work:
- Dam VU Campus/A.J. Ernststraat has been modified: read the sent letter
- 12 - 23 May: temporary filling of part of the canal near the VU Campus, side Buitenveldertselaan
- 12 - 23 May: supply of sand (needed for filling the canal) via AJ Ernststraat. As a result, more trucks will drive through the street during this period, within the prescribed window times; between 7:00 and 8:00 and 9:00 and 15:00.
- Early June: 0 measurement of buildings in immediate vicinity of W&N building (stakeholders will receive information)
- Eraly June: Start of first physical demolition works, at the corner AJ Ernstraat/Buitenveldertselaan
More information
- Download The Construction App from circular demolition contractor Adex
- For more information or questions send an email to wninbeweging@vu.nl
- Direct contact? Then call VU environment manager Mark Mul on: 06 17710961
Demolition W&N in the news
- View news release AT5: Iconisch W&N-gebouw gaat tegen de vlakte (12 March 2024)
- Listen the interview of VU Campus Radio with Programme Manager Frank Uijting: Demolishing W/N: Where do we go!? (16 February 2024)