The demolition of the Mathematics and Physics Building (W&N building) has been in full swing since June 2025. At present, the most visible parts (the Cyclotron building on the east side, the TenT on the campus grounds and the CDE wing on the west side) have been successfully demolished.
Demolition will come to a virtual standstill in 2026. However, work – both visible and less visible – will continue in and around the buildings.
This is what will happen in 2026:
CDE building section behind the Start Hub
The visible, above-ground part and the basements of the CDE building section have now been demolished, the ground has been filled to ground level and the façade of building section F has been closed off. Work still to be carried out includes removing the two struts (long steel beams) along the side façade of AB, clearing the work site, tidying up the paving and moving the site fencing.
Building sections TU, O and RNC on A.J. Ernststraat
The indoor remediation of building sections TU has been completed. Indoor remediation of sections O and RNC will follow later this year. The demolition of these building sections will take place at a later stage.
Building section VWXYZ next to the Initium
The bunkers and cellars of WXYZ and the above-ground part of the garden hall (building section V) have been demolished. The cellar of the garden hall will be demolished as soon as the reinforcing steel stored there has been cut up and removed. The ground will then be filled to ground level. The site remains the working area of the demolition contractor and will remain cordoned off.
Building section AB next to Uilenplein
The asbestos survey has been completed in the empty AB section. Preparations for the remediation are currently underway. This will be carried out in the coming period in accordance with the applicable safety standards. After the remediation, the further stripping of building section AB will commence, in line with the renovation.
Working in the W&N building during demolition
Certain parts of the W&N building will remain open during demolition. It is possible to work here, but there may be some disruption as a result of the demolition. In building section F, only the basement will remain accessible, and in building section S, only the ground floor and basement. In the middle section (GKNM and PQRS), minor work can be carried out.
More information and contact details
If you have any questions about the demolition of the W&N building, please send an email to wninbeweging@vu.nl or visit the W&N on the Move website for more information. You can also sign up for the W&N- zine via this link Nieuwsbrieven - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
In case of acute nuisance, please contact the implementation coordinators Chris Roos Hoefgeest (06-43429540) or Frodo Heistek (06-39590279). For general reports, please call environmental manager Mark Mul (VU) on 06-17710961.