Vehicle traffic on the Hembrug site must be reduced as much as possible. The Zaanstad municipal council thinks so, because it is becoming increasingly crowded on the 40-hectare site. With twelve action points, the unique character must be protected. Keep the car out, more space for cyclists and pedestrians and better public transport.
After a survey among the entrepreneurs on the Hemburg site, almost everyone applauds the reduction of the car. “Because now it is”, says an interior builder, “that everyone just parks their car everywhere, while my agreement states that that is not allowed.” On a normal weekday it’s not much of a problem, but it is if there are big events. Then the chaos is complete and every public piece of street or green area is parked, even if there are signs with ‘NO PARKING’.
Paid parking
Bas Kinsbergen van Bind – the living room of the Hembrug site – hopes that the measures will not disturb the pleasant atmosphere. “I have been here for ten years now and customers come by bike, on foot or by car. For a drink and a sandwich. If paid parking is introduced, a large part will no longer be available. Because they are usually not rich people and then a cup of coffee becomes very expensive for them.”
He thinks it’s an excellent idea that the car is pushed back onto the terrain. “Just park at the entrance and then walk a bit. That doesn’t seem so bad to me, does it?!” He is a bit concerned about that unique character that the municipality says it wants to protect. “What does that mean? For example, if you look at the Westergasterrein in Amsterdam, which we are often compared to, you can ask yourself: Is that still unique? I only see catering and events there. I really hope that will not happen here.”
corner
In all those current buildings from the time when it was still a military complex with a munitions factory, there is a wide variety of cultural and creative companies. For example, photographer Ruben Timman founded the Museum of Humanity for photo exhibitions, education and workshops. “That as few cars as possible are allowed here seems to me to be a good plan. You have to make exceptions, for example, for people with walking difficulties. You are of course in a corner. A beautiful corner, but a corner.”
Wietse Boorsma of SeeSound Studio is busy moving into the building itself. He makes sound compositions for films, TV shows and commercials. He can agree with pushing the car back on the terrain, because every now and then it runs out of control. As an entrepreneur, like most people, he often needs the car or a van. “Then you don’t have to rely on just a parking lot further down the road.”
Another problem is public transport. A bus does not stop at the Hembrug site. The only thing nearby is the ferry to Amsterdam. The municipality’s action plan therefore contains a number of proposals to improve public transport.
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