With 55 years of experience, Cor van Zadelhoff (Nieuwer-Amstel, 1938) is considered the undisputed grandmaster of the Dutch real estate world. For several years now, his focus has been on Amsterdam. How does he see the future of the capital? MASTERS spoke with him at his office in the Zuidas district.
Thinking big in Greater Amsterdam
We meet the founder of Zadelhoff, a real estate company since 1970, enjoying a coffee on the sun-drenched patio of his new premises on the Zuidas. After decades of international investments—focusing on America, England, the Netherlands, and, in the XNUMXs, Eastern European countries like Poland, Russia, and Ukraine, as they sought to Westernize—he now focuses entirely on Greater Amsterdam. Zadelhoff specializes in owning and redeveloping distinctive real estate: from stately office villas on Museumplein to the monumental Havengebouw, the Burgerweeshuis, and the Diamantbeurs (Diamond Exchange).
Monumental gift to the city
Zadelhoff is deeply committed to the city. To commemorate its 750th anniversary, the Zadelhoff Funds donated a remarkable one million euros to the City of Amsterdam. A quarter of this amount comes from the Zadelhoff Culture Fund, to support Amsterdam 750's cultural initiatives in this celebratory year. The largest contribution from the Zadelhoff Fund, however, is a detailed model of the city—worth at least €750.000—which will be installed in the hall of the WTC Amsterdam later this year. In a specially equipped wing of his office, we get a glimpse of the project: using eighteen 3D printers and a single laser cutter, five or six people from MVSA Architects—led by a specially appointed Model Director, Charles Durlacher, who coordinates this initiative on behalf of the Zadelhoff Fund—are working full-time to recreate the city at a scale of 1:2000, with a total area of approximately 70 square meters. Each building is meticulously reproduced. Using interactive technology, visitors will soon be able to illuminate neighborhoods, canals, and buildings with a simple touch. A unique tribute to the city – masterful in conception, grand in execution.
Amsterdam, the brand of the Netherlands
Someone who has not only pledged his business but also his heart to the city like Cor van Zadelhoff is the perfect person to have a vision for how Amsterdam should develop. Back on the patio, he shares this vision with us. According to him, Amsterdam must profile itself internationally as the premier location for knowledge, innovation, and capital. “Amsterdam is the brand of the Netherlands. For many, Amsterdam even à la the Netherlands. We must strengthen and capitalize on that position. Not by competing with other cities, but by consciously choosing our own specialties.” He advocates a thematic approach. “Let Rotterdam remain the port city. Of course, Amsterdam should offer ship repair workshops, such as Damen Shiprepair, for local activities. But leave that industry to Rotterdam, so we don't have to expand the port area. Because we don't have the space for that; we desperately need it for housing. Rotterdam, in turn, shouldn't try to attract the headquarters of, say, Morgan Stanley: let Amsterdam focus on financial services. That way, you leverage each other's strengths.” Van Zadelhoff believes that the distinction between themes should continue within the city itself. "Each neighborhood should have its own theme, its own specialty: that's how I envision the Amsterdam of the future."
Zuidas as a financial core
"I think the Zuidas should specialize entirely in financial services," he states firmly. "Banks, asset managers, lawyers – they should all come together here. It works very well to be located in the same area and have a drink together. Physical proximity stimulates collaboration. I'm a big fan of HP Berlage, who combined living, working, and recreation in his architecture, and created a fantastic street layout, with wide avenues like Minervalaan and Apollolaan. You simply have to see each other. Business happens through encounters, not by working from home on Fridays.” He considers the municipality's intention to build the Erotic Center on the south side of RAI station a complete mismatch. And, moreover, a completely pointless and outdated initiative: “Firstly, the sex workers in the Red Light District don't want such a center at all. Secondly, there's no need for it. Not that I'm an expert, but I understand that what happens outside the city center already happens in hotels—that's the reality. In short: this whole Erotic Center thing is a farce. Cross it out! I sincerely hope the mayor reverses her steps and reconsiders this: it's an unnecessary investment, which is also difficult to make profitable considering all the costs.” We haven't yet found any substantial budget from the municipality. However, according to VVD party leader Daan Wijnants, the project is already facing an uncovered overrun of 600 to 800 million euros.
Medical Center West
Van Zadelhoff sees West as the perfect location for the healthcare sector, partly due to its proximity to Schiphol, because: “Healthcare is becoming international. Just look at Acibadem International Medical CenterThis Turkish healthcare company is doing incredibly well, reducing waiting times and closing gaps. Slotervaart is home to a number of companies that operate between hospitals and private healthcare, capitalizing on the shortages in this sector. Because businesses don't wait for waiting times. Dr. Igor Tulevski with its Cardiology Centers Netherlands it relieves the Amsterdam UMC, Lassus Dentists "This is what's happening with the city's stalled dental network. So, all healthcare is being moved to the West, and let's try to house the workers there using the system of the former 'workers' cottages.' Just like the so-called 'powder houses' at the former gunpowder factory in Ouderkerk aan de Amstel and the glass houses at the Glashut factory in Loenen aan de Vecht." In Slotervaart, his company, in collaboration with its neighbors – the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, healthcare organization Cordaan, and the Sanquin blood bank – is developing an ambitious healthcare cluster with hundreds of homes, including a 'Nurses' House. Construction of this Nurses' House, to house healthcare staff from the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, among others, will begin next year and is part of De Plantijn: a location that will give Amsterdam a new lease of life with a modern, high-quality, and affordable healthcare-work-residential destination. "Fantastic, isn't it?"
Meter eaters
He sees Amsterdam-Noord as particularly suitable for administrative heavy users, "meter-eaters," as he calls the insurers, pension funds, and back offices. And, moreover, along with the relatively new IJburg, it's an excellent residential area. After all, Amsterdam needs a lot of housing. He sees Zuidoost as the center of entertainment. "As Chairman of the Supervisory Board, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the construction of the Johan Cruijff ArenA from the very beginning, a multifunctional stadium that acts like a magnet for the entertainment industry. Ziggo Dome, AFAS Live, and Pathé Arena have established themselves next to the stadium because people know they're mutually beneficial—and I'm a strong advocate of cross-pollination." Finally, Van Zadelhoff emphasizes the importance of historical awareness in the city center. "Preserve cultural institutions, small-scale businesses, and service-oriented entrepreneurship, holding on to history, with venues like the Royal Carré Theatre, the Stadsschouwburg, De Kleine Komedie, and the Oude Kerk. Car-free zones will come naturally. Who wants to drive into the inaccessible city center, where the speed limit is only 30 km/h and you pay through the nose for parking, if you can even find a parking space? No, that will resolve itself. If I need to be in the city center, I take a taxi with a tram permit – that saves a good twenty minutes." His final vision is as clear as it is inspiring: "Amsterdam must organize itself as a mosaic of strong neighborhoods. Each with its own profile, focused on the future but rooted in history. We contribute to this with the sustainable redevelopment of significant buildings with insufficient economic support. That is our heritage – and our mission."
