Like many European cities on the water, Amsterdam used to be a center of the shipbuilding industry.
While water still remains an important economical aspect, the massive space of the deserted shipyard in Amsterdam North (NDSM) was in total decay- up until the 1990s when it started to become a haven for artists, squatters and skaters. Today, it is undertaking a total redevelopment and becoming one of the most unique and trendy spaces in the entire city.
Just a short ride away from Amsterdam Central Station, is the former shipping wharf area known as the Amsterdam NDSM. You take the (free!) GVB ferry service from the back of the central station. The ride takes about 15 minutes total and gives the opportunity to see the changes happening in Amsterdam’s waterways.
In 1937, the NSM (later known as NDSM), was the largest shipbuilding company worldwide. It later merged with the Dutch shipbuilding company NDM and NDSM (Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij) was born. The industry thrived, building cargo ships, bulk carriers and war ships for the Dutch navy until low demand finally caused NDSM to stop building ships in 1978. It continued to repair ships until finally the doors closed around 1984. This not only meant the golden age of Dutch shipbuilding was over, but there was also the question of what to do with all of the area that was required during its prime. As you can imagine, building ships takes up a lot of space!
During the 1990s, various people, specifically “city nomads” such as craftsmen, artists and aspiring artists settled and named themselves “foundation Kinetisch Noord”. The city council liked the idea, and now provides subsidiaries to the group to further develop the large boathouse and surrounding area, which would otherwise be left for decay.
Upon visiting NDSM today, you can see that it has now developed into a space that serves many purposes. Firstly, it provides a workspace for creative and start up companies, even those with very low budgets. It also is a platform for regeneration and repurpose, as seen with the various restaurants, bars and even the three room hotel that is made from the old shipping crane, where you can also bungee jump from!
Furthermore, with the building of many office spaces, it appears to be developing into a modern economic hub. Lastly, it has become a popular space of residence, even for students who can live in small shipping containers for about €225 per month!
We stopped at the Pllek (which means “spot” or “place” in Dutch) for a coffee and a few drinks. It is a really cool bar/restaurant that has been build from the old shipping containers combined with large glass windows, which gives great views of the entire IJ waterfront area. There was a large rocky sand beach, where you could sit on big bean bags, hammocks or lay your own towel down and soak up the sun. It has a really relaxed atmosphere and it also serves as the location for many events. On Friday nights there is music, Saturday night it becomes a club with a DJ and there is live music on Sunday. There is even yoga class there on Saturday and Sunday afternoons too!
On your next visit to Amsterdam be sure to check out this super cool, creative and innovative neighborhood!
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Happy trip….
Amsterdam, one of my favorite city’s in europe .. simple great!
I love Pllek!! Nice story and good to hear you like Amsterdam so much :).
It was so cool! Loved hanging out by the water, the vibe was great 🙂
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