Amsterdam is continually changing and developing. For centuries the inner city has been the basis for living, working and recreation. Changes of function are still possible within the existing structures and buildings. Nevertheless, bottlenecks arise because of lack of space and limited access capacity. Large-scale programs clash with the predominantly small-scale structure of the inner city. Locations are therefore being sought outside the inner city, where a mixture of functions on top of or close to transport junctions leads to the creation of new urban environments.
The most ambitious and large-scale new centre development in Amsterdam is the Zuidas (South Axis), strategically located between the urban areas of Zuid and Buitenveldert, and close to Schiphol Airport. This area, already dominated by large-scale infrastructure and extensively used space, will be transformed over the coming years into a metropolitan area of national and international stature. To realize these aims, the infrastructure in the area will be channelled underground, following the so-called 'dock' model: motorway, metro and railway wil be moved underground in phases. Furthermore, the capacity of the ring-road will be increased and the WTC station will become a high-speed railway station of European stature.
The phased lowering of infrastructure underground will create space for the new centre totalling 800,000 m2 in area. Within this context priority is given to the creation of a mixed use urban environment, with a ratio of c. 45% dwellings, 45% office space and 10% amenities, in high density. The expansion of WTC station will create a major transport intersection where buses, trams, metros, trains and high-speed trains link up smoothly. Together with the motorway access route, this public-transport intersection guarantees perfect access to the new urban centre through all modes of transport. The complete development of the Zuidas includes a program for at least 2 million square metres to be built in three phases and scheduled for completion by about 2025.
