History
Vrijdag 29 Mei 2009 11:03
| Start of Far West |
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| During the late nineties, the monotonous uniformity of the housing stock and high levels of deprivation lead to the growing realisation that the Westelijke Tuinsteden (western districts of Amsterdam) were slipping into a socio-economic decline. Subsequently, the quality of housing became an important issue of concern to the municipality and housing associations. The Garden districts (45,000 + dwellings, +/- 130.000 inhabitants) are the postwar expansion neighbourhoods of Amsterdam, contructed back then in record time to accommodate housing needs after the war. Therefore, in some areas, housing stock is in poor fysical condition. Poor insulation, moist, noisy dwellings are commonly known problems. A combined master plan was drawn up to transform and revitalise this relatively new westernmost area. The plan — named Richting Parkstad 2015 (“Towards Park City 2015”) — included a huge renewal operation and diversification of the housing stock. As from the year 2000, housing associations were to commence demolition of depreciated and obsolete dwellings, whilst planning and implementing the construction of new ones. The number of housing units — social housing, dwellings for the market (renting as well as buying), single-family dwellings and apartment blocks — was to increase and, at the same time, attract a wide variety of residents, of different socioeconomic backgrounds. Housing for newcomers from outside the neighbourhood, as well as market housing for social and economic climbers from within the neighbourhoods. The municipalities were to embark upon the renovation of public spaces and facilities. Furthermore, the plan comprised the formation of a temporary, purpose-formed and competent organisation that was to stipulate and implement strategic planning based on independent decision-making. Four housing associations — De Key, Het Oosten, Patrimonium and Zomers Buiten — combined forces and temporarily delegated the authority (and economic proprietorship) over their Amsterdam Nieuw West-stocks to Far West. The stock covers over 10,000 dwellings and 1,000 business accommodations, which will be returned to the participating housing associations upon the completion of the area’s regeneration in 2015. Far West Nowadays The last few years, some of the participating housing associations were subject to mergers and take-overs, which is why Far West currently has three founders: De Key, Stadgenoot (formerly Het Oosten) and Rochdale. Moreover, since the 2006 evaluation and a subsequent re-assessment of some terms within Richting Parkstad 2015 (“Facing Parkstad 2015”), Far West is now also developing social facilities and managing the funding and revitalisation of public spaces, while the municipalities focus on the socio-economic aspects. |
Laatste aanpassing ( Woensdag 24 Juni 2009 11:14 )