18 Spotlight Verdi: the city’s hidden gem A new area was added Zuidas on 1 January 2018. What does this mean for Zuidas? Gregor van Lit, city planner working for the Zuidas Amsterdam Development Office is specialised in developing existing urban areas and is closely involved in Verdi. What makes Verdi unique? Verdi is part of the transition from the city to more green and aquatic areas. Current users call it the city’s hidden jewel. By developing the area further, an attractive work and residential area is being created with highvalue green and areas for sport and recreation. Together with Amsterdam district Zuid an exploratory investigation into the opportunities at Verdi was conducted. Zuidas then consulted with residents, recreational users (water), entrepreneurs and other Amsterdammers and interested parties. As we wanted to make this area attractive to more Amsterdammers we sought ideas and opinions from a broad group of people. How do you see connections forming with the rest of Zuidas? By increasing the quality of the greener areas, making the area more accessible and offering more facilities, a natural connection will occur with the rest of the city. The atmosphere will gain character according to how the residents and users will make use of the area. What role does sustainability play in the development and vision for Verdi? While developing Verdi we are looking specifically at the natural values that are present in the area. Parts of the greener areas belong to the area’s main ecological structure and are important (foraging) areas for bats, birds and other small animals. It is an aquatic area with thickets interspersed with more open landscapes. Treelines and zones with trees also occur with a significantly different variations in types of trees. Trees have had years to grow and bloom undisturbed. We are taking great care to preserve the unique aspects of the area as we develop the new zoning plan. Sustainability also plays a factor in other aspects such as water storage, construction and a good city atmosphere.
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