January 29, 2021
BOEi starts construction on Amsterdam’s largest national monument
BOEi has officially begun construction on Amsterdam's largest national monument: the Centrale Markthal, dating back to 1934. The work is expected to be completed by early 2023. The Centrale Markthal, long considered a hidden gem in the capital, will immediately hold a record: its roof will be equipped with 2,500 square meters of solar panels, generating 400,000 kWh of electricity, making it the largest energy-producing roof in Amsterdam.
With a floor area of approximately 6,000 square meters, the Centrale Markthal on Jan van Galenstraat was the largest covered market hall in Europe for a long time, spanning an area equivalent to a spacious football field. Ultimately, the Centrale Markthal will become a gathering place for culinary, creative, and sustainable initiatives in Amsterdam.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Arno Boon (BOEi) and Susan Lammers (Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency).
Arno Boon, Director of BOEi, stated, “BOEi preserves heritage and its stories for society, and it is important for us to involve the community in shaping the heritage. Even during the construction phase, we want to collaborate with the people of Amsterdam to program events and activities in the Centrale Markthal, such as a neighborhood restaurant where residents cook for each other. Our aim is to create a place where everyone can feel at home.”
Susan Lammers, Director of the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency, said, “BOEi, as the owner of the property, has received subsidies not only for restoration but also for improving accessibility and sustainability. This is the first time that the Netherlands Cultural Heritage Agency has provided subsidies for the sustainability and enhanced accessibility of national monuments.
Alderman Marieke van Doorninck (Spatial Development and Sustainability): “The Centrale Markthal is a special place in Amsterdam with a rich history. However, it has been closed to the people of Amsterdam for a long time. I am pleased that after the restoration, the market hall will be accessible to all Amsterdam residents and will serve as a connecting link between the Food Center on one side and the new housing in the Marktkwartier on the other side. The fact that the monumental building will also have the largest energy-producing roof in Amsterdam is something I can only applaud. Amsterdam wants to make sure no roof is left unused for the generation of clean energy.”
The restoration is made possible by the Municipality of Amsterdam, the Dutch Government, and the BankGiro Lottery, and is being carried out by B2 Restauratie, Van Milt Restaurateurs, and De Boer & De Groot.