paroolFeb 20, 2026, 02:00

Construction plans for 6,500 homes in Hamerkwartier back on track after chemical plant compromise

Construction of 6,500 homes in Amsterdam's Hamerkwartier district is set to begin next year following a compromise between the municipality and the chemical plant Ketjen. The agreement addresses previous legal and safety concerns by increasing the distance between residential towers and the factory, while also implementing new measures to reduce industrial risks and noise. This deal resolves a long-standing impasse, with the first homes scheduled for completion starting in 2030.

Politics Economy Amsterdam Netherlands

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A place of honor for the legacy of Pieter Vermeulen: namesake nature museum opens next week in IJmuiden

The Pieter Vermeulen Museum will open its doors at a new location on Doorneberglaan in IJmuiden next Wednesday. This opening marks the conclusion of a years-long search for a suitable permanent home for the nature museum.

'At the start of the evening people are hesitant; by the end we are dancing together' Participation awards for Spaarnediners and Stichting Samen

The Spaarnediners and Stichting Samen initiatives have been awarded the Participation Prizes for their work in fostering social connection through communal meals. The winners highlighted how shared dining experiences help bridge cultural gaps and build community ties within Haarlem.

Heritage of the Week | A Look at the Sky

A unique ceiling painting, originally from a demolished building on Sarphatistraat, has been rediscovered in a farmhouse in Zunderdorp. The find preserves a piece of historical heritage from a structure that was previously lost to demolition.

Shoplifter caught in the act and arrested in Heemskerk

A 29-year-old man from Velsen was arrested on Wednesday evening after being caught red-handed shoplifting from a supermarket in Heemskerk. The suspect was taken into custody following the incident.

Loss-making Wehkamp acquired by Zeeland fashion chain Omoda

Zeeland-based fashion chain Omoda is acquiring the larger online department store Wehkamp, which has recently been operating at a loss. This transaction significantly expands the family-owned business, making it one of the largest online retailers in the Netherlands.