Amsterdam is preparing for strong population growth, with projections suggesting the city could have more than one million residents by 2030. To meet the demand for housing, jobs and amenities, the municipality has opted to expand within the existing city boundaries. One of the largest projects is Haven-Stad, a project involving 12 separate locations in the west and north of the city’s port area.

The area will have a dense, urban layout, with around twice as many homes per square kilometre as the current average in Amsterdam. Housing and workplaces will be mixed, with businesses mainly on the ground floor and residential space above. About 20% of the total area will remain designated for businesses, but separate industrial estates will disappear. Streets will be largely low-traffic, with limited on-street parking and a strong focus on cycling, walking and public transport.