Geuzenveld-Slotermeer

Area

Geuzenveld-Slotermeer is slotted between Haarlemmerweg to the north and the Sloterplas and its surrounding parks to the south. Moving west to east, it begins green with the reclaimed land of Osdorper Binnenpolder with its sports and recreation areas and extends to the Einsteinweg highway beyond which lies the Bos en Lommer neighbourhood.

History

South of what is now Sloterplas, the town of Sloten was first mentioned in 1063 which might even make it older than Amsterdam itself. Today it remains a charming old village. The areas around it, such as Geuzenveld-Slotermer, were all farmland for centuries. Until as late as the 1950s when the area was developed, local growers would bring their produce to the city to sell at markets.

The general construction was poor due to the austerity of the post-WWII period, however since 2001 it has under gone massive renewal via the programme ‘Direction Park City 2015’ as well as funding and subsidies from the national government.

Highlights

Sloterplas, a former lake that was dried in 1644 and dug out again in 1950, is a large recreation area. Its shores are ‘ecologically protected’ and contains many relatively rare animals and fish—including the ‘monster of Sloterplas’ (likely just a 15-kilo carp). This recreational area offers a variety of watersport options including canoeing, sailing, swimming and fishing. Heading west, there are many community gardens and private allotments.

Your neighbourhood

Geuzenveld-Slotermeer is primarily residential and is undergoing significant urban renewal to improve housing and living environment. It is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Europe.

Around 65% of the residents in Geuzenveld-Slotermeer are foreigners, making it one of the most diverse in Europe. Plein ’40-’45 forms the neighbourhood’s centre with a bustling daily outdoor market and a shopping centre.

Eating, drinking, etc

In general this is an area where people raise their families. However travel agency Luiting&Mol are organising trips to the area—while half-joking they are also suggesting that ‘everything’s possible’ here. In fact a museum dedicated to Nieuw-West’s urban development opened in 2010: the Van Eesteren Museum (Dutch).

Meanwhile ‘cultural breeding grounds’ such as Beehive located in a former funeral home and artists’ studios are beginning to organise community-oriented events and parties.