A Q&A (frequently asked questions and answers) is prepared for all developments. These are continuously supplemented.
For Research Building VU and decommissioning cyclotron, you will find the Q&A on separate pages:
Q&A relocation and working in the middle part W&N
Can I use the F wing as a base of operations?
No, that is not possible because it is not fireproof, and besides, facilities such as electricity and water are also going to go.
Where will the people in the intermediate slide eventually go?
They will move to the remodelled AB section by the end of 2026.
Q&A Demolition W&N
When can we expect the most inconvenience?
Especially during the demolition of the bunkers of the WXYZ wings, the part on the east side of the W&N building. For this reason, this demolition will take place as much as possible during the summer holidays 2025.
Will staff and students experience vibrations? If so, how much and how severe?
It cannot be ruled out that vibrations will be experienced. The demolition method(s) and control measures will take into account that work will be carried out within a teaching and research site. There will be timely communication if possible nuisance will occur.
Specifically, what is the noise nuisance? How many decibels? And when exactly?
Nuisance cannot be avoided at certain times. To give an impression of which types of nuisance may occur at which times, an overview map has been made; shown at the informationlunch 17 April. There will always be - timely - communication if nuisance is expected.
Will examinations be taken into account during demolition?
Yes, we will include this in the demolition process. Examinations schedules should be taken into account when the demolition contractor carries out work. The academic year calendar (which includes the examination periods) is part of the agreement with the demolition contractor. In addition, the demolition contractor is obliged to take noise and vibration control measures.
Why will the demolition not take place in one go?
Because of the special demolition of the cyclotron centre and the necessary temporary accommodation for the users who will soon move to the rebuilt AB building, demolition cannot take place in one go and therefore the demolition will take place in several phases.
Why is the W&N building being demolished?
The W&N building on the VU Campus is largely being demolished because the building no longer meets today's requirements for sustainable accommodation for high-quality education and research. Only the western wing of the building will be converted into an independent functioning building.
Demolition of the W&N building will start by mid-2025. Because of the complexity of the W&N building, the demolition work will take place in phases, with safety for staff, students, local residents and those directly involved in the demolition and conversion being paramount. The entire process will be carried out carefully, according to the highest safety standards and with care for staff, students and local residents, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
For more information, see also the Campus under development page.
Why will sports fields be built on the site of the W&N building?
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC and the City of Amsterdam (Zuidas) are working together on the area development of Innovation District Zuidas. The aim is to create a leading innovation district where a special mix of living, working, education, research, care and (sports) facilities come together. This renewal process started in 2007 and will continue beyond 2040.
In a cooperation agreement, arrangements were made to give shape to joint ambitions. For instance, the site of the former school work gardens was transferred from the municipality to VU Amsterdam in 2014. On this site, the VU Research Building was built and in the future the Innovation Centre will also be located here. In addition, VU Amsterdam will transfer the plot where the outdated W&N building currently stands to the municipality. On this site will come the football pitches and facilities of SC Buitenveldert.
The area development of Innovation District Zuidas is in line with VU Amsterdam's ambitions to work towards a sustainable and liveable world in addition to scientific education and research. With the realisation of the VU Research Building and the Innovation Centre, VU Amsterdam is further building a sustainable and future-proof campus.
For more information, see also the Campus in development page.
The VWXYZ building section is located by the water and the canal will be partly filled in. Has this been well thought out?
Yes. For the demolition of this building section (including the basement), a methodology was chosen whereby the watercourse will be partly filled in to create sufficient working space.
Is it an option to use temporary greenery as a noise buffer?
A temporary noise barrier (of presumably containers) will be placed in front of the Initium for the demolition of the VWXYZ section.
What is the schedule for removing the greenery?
The existing greenery will remain in place for as long as possible. The felling will take place broadly in three phases. The first phase involves felling required for the demolition of the two side wings of the W&N building. The second phase is needed for the demolition of the remaining middle section. The felling in the third phase is needed for the transfer to the municipality of the plot vacated by the demolition.
Does work of the demolition fall within the rules and conditions that FCO has to abide by when working? If yes, where does it say so and how can we refer to it?
A so-called specification (a technical description of the work to be carried out) has been drawn up for the demolition work. This sets out what the demolition contractor must comply with. These specifications are based on legal rules and the general rules on the VU Campus.
Can I expect more nuisance from mice due to demolition?
Yes, you can. As parts are demolished, mice will look for another place to live. You can help prevent this as uch as possible yourself by following the tips in the attached flyer.