A'dam-Oost silos turned into cinema, cafes, gym, workspace; Renovation starts Sept.

After years of postponement and struggles, the former sewage treatment silos on Zeeburgereiland will finally undergo thorough renovations. The funding is in, and the permits are obtained. In September, construction starts to turn the silos from sewage treatment into a cinema, cafes, restaurants, a gym, and workspace, Parool reports.

The three sewage treatment silos are the only reminder left of the dredging island and sewage filter Zeeburgereiland once was. Now, the island holds brand-new apartment buildings featuring homes with large windows and glass balconies. The iconic silos will be preserved, but their function will change to serve the neighborhood.

“It should be a combination of ADAM Toren in Noord and De Hallen in West,” Developer Igor Sancisi told Parool. “A landmark for the city and a perfect place for people to meet.”

Architect Menno Kooistra called the project super challenging. “Building different functions into one building is the most difficult thing there is,” he said. “Fortunately, the parameters were fixed, but I had to tweak it so it is interesting for all operators.”

According to the latest design, the central silo will host a gym, with a lobby for offices on the roof park. The Oostsilo, on the IJburg side, will have a grand restaurant and a bar on its top. And the Rialto film house will be located in the Westsilo, containing five cinemas and a foyer on top. Offices will be scattered throughout all three.

But the main event is the three roof terraces, which will offer panoramic views over the Markermeer, the IJ, and the city of Amsterdam. Each silo will be raised by approximately 16 meters, bringing them to a height of 30 meters, to accommodate these terraces, which will be a public space for everyone to enjoy.

The elevations won’t be placed in the middle of the silos. “Just like your head is not exactly centered at the front and back of your shoulders,” Kooistra explained. “All three will ‘look’ in a different direction. This creates a feeling of movement as if they are dancing when you walk around them.”