Westergasfabriek

Between 1883 and 1904, the construction of the Westergasfabriek took place on behalf of the Imperial Continental Gaz Association. This English company obtained the concession for gas production in Amsterdam in 1883. Isaac Gosschalk (1838-1907) was responsible as the architect. He was seen as one of the most prominent Dutch architects in the 1880s. The complex can be considered a milestone in integrating utility construction and architectural design.

In September 1885, the factory was put into operation. The first retort in the distillery was filled with coal that was exposed to a heat of about 1200 °C, a process during which coal gas is released. This process is called dry distillation.

The Westergasfabriek was once the largest coal gas factory in the Netherlands, but the discovery of natural gas in Slochteren put an end to this in the 1960s. Some of the buildings were demolished after the factory closed, including the gas factory itself and the water tower. Between 1989 and 1996, the remaining 22 buildings were placed on the national heritage list.

The Westergasfabriek is now very popular with the nightlife crowd.

INFO:
Haarlemmerweg 8-10
1014 BE Amsterdam-Westerpark
Amsterdam
North Holland
Netherlands
Tel +31 (0) 20 - 5860710

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