The Westergasfabriek (West Gas Factory) was originally built in 1883 and was in operation until the 1960s when gas production was moved to Slochteren. Most of the buildings were designed by Isaac Gosschalk in a variation on the 'Dutch Renaissance' style and, in 1989, the Westergasfabriek was recognised as an industrial monument. In the 1990s, the various spaces were used for parties, film screenings, fashion shows, opera and a restaurant and it became a hotbed of cultural activity and creativity. Although it may seem a little passé compared to the developments in the east of the city and across the IJ on the NDSM-werf, the buildings are all being renovated one-by-one and its still one of the city's most dynamic cultural districts. Additionally, at the end of 2003, the surrounding park was redeveloped with impressive results. Currently on the site are various art galleries and creative businesses, plus De Bakkerswinkel tearoom, Espressofabriek café and Pacific Parc bar-restaurant and Het Ketelhuis cinema. It's also here (in the park) that open-air concerts take place with the likes of Radiohead and Lenny Kravitz etc.
BROEDPLAATS AMSTERDAM | www.bureaubroedplaatsen.amsterdam.nl
In 2001, Amsterdam City Council started the Broedplaats Amsterdam project to create affordable working space for visual and performing artists, and groups of primarily cultural entrepreneurs (artists, traditional business, service providers and technicians). With the motto 'No Culture Without Subculture', the aim was to revitalise and nurture the subcultural community here, recognising that a cosmopolitan city such as Amsterdam cannot exist without 'cultural refugees'. There are around 40 projects – or Broedplaatsen (Incubators) – spread around the city; many of which are former schools or warehouse that were once squatted.