Construction on Oostenburg is nearly complete, with only a few building plots remaining on the former Werkspoor industrial grounds in Amsterdam-Centrum.
The newly built neighborhood pairs high residential density with varied architectural styles, creating a modern, compact urban environment.
New housing and public space
Among the notable additions is the Liesbeth List Huis at Tonia Stieltjesplein, which opened in June to provide housing for older, chronically ill, and memory-impaired artists.
Designed by local firm Maken, the building features a metal exterior and a saw-tooth roof that pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage.
Nearby, the upcoming De Oosterlingen project by developer Being and architecture firm MVRDV will bring seven connected blocks made with sustainable materials like recycled wood, rammed earth, and biobased slates.
Commercial space and street life
Despite the addition of hundreds of new homes, street-level vitality remains limited across the island. The dense layout and inward-facing architecture have made it challenging for small businesses and local retail shops to take hold on ground floors.
The historic Werkspoorhal currently houses Big Gym, one of the neighborhood’s main public venues. Taking over the expansive indoor space after plans for a food hall were dropped, it provides a large workout space inside a former locomotive assembly hall.
Future plans for the island
More commercial and cultural life is expected after the summer when the historic Van Gendthallen complex reopens. The updated site will feature a new restaurant, startup workspaces, and a museum space created by the design collective Drift.
The Gemeente Amsterdam has overseen the broader transformation of Oostenburg from an old shipyard and industrial estate into a residential district. Local residents hope the final openings will help bring more daily foot traffic and community venues to the area.
