Amsterdam’s creative hotspot
It was recently reported in America’s Wall Street Journal that the Amsterdam Noord district is rapidly becoming a hotspot for a diverse range of creative professionals and companies.
Hip and happening
In the past, squatters often made the best use of the many abandoned ship yard buildings and the locals enjoyed their quiet independence from the tourist filled city centre.
The potential of these buildings and their unique location has now been realised by many creative companies, and so Amsterdam Noord is evolving into one of the trendiest business districts in Amsterdam.
Development and design
In 2007 Royal Dutch Shell sold off both land and buildings to create what is now known as the Overhoeks development. It incorporates many new apartment buildings, event venues and public gardens, as well as the impressive EYE film museum (opening 2012).
Music television giant MTV (Benelux) and the highest selling energy drink company Red Bull have already established their European offices in former shipyards here. Adjacent to MTV in a huge, previously derelict hangar; is the home of 250 artists, aptly dubbed ‘arts city’.
Blossoming creative industry
Within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area the creative industry as a whole is blossoming; for example, according to a report by Deloitte, Amsterdam is also a hotspot for gaming expansion, with an annual growth rate of 9%. But, it’s Amsterdam Noord that takes the limelight in The Wall Street Journal, comparing it to New York’s eclectic suburb Brooklyn, and outlines how much there is in Amsterdam Noord to offer businesses.
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