The red brick water tower still stands tall. A silent sentinel guarding memories of the Zuidergasfabriek. This is where Amsterdam’s south once found its heat and light.
For decades the Zuidergasfabriek hummed with activity. Coal arrived by train and ship. It fueled the creation of city gas. This gas lit homes and streets. It warmed countless Amsterdammers. The factory itself was built in 1907. It officially opened in 1909 a vital part of Amsterdam’s infrastructure.
The Zuidergasfabriek wasn’t just a factory. It was a hub of innovation and industry. It employed hundreds of people. It played a key role in Amsterdam’s growth. Despite its name the Zuidergasfabriek was located in the east. This was due to the pre-existing Oostergasfabriek. The area became part of Amsterdam in 1921. Before that it belonged to Ouder-Amstel. The architect P Brouwer designed the complex. He was head of building works for the municipal gasworks.
The factory didn’t escape unscathed. In 1943 American bombers mistakenly targeted it. They were aiming for the IJmuiden power station. The damage was thankfully minimal.
The Zuidergasfabriek’s era ended in 1967. The switch to natural gas rendered it obsolete. The main factory buildings and gas holder were demolished. Some structures remain however. They stand as reminders of this industrial past. The water tower is one of these. Nine buildings remain. They are protected as national monuments. They include the water tower. The gatehouse is also protected. The director’s residence is still standing. It has been transformed into a restaurant with a terrace.
The Zuidergasfabriek’s story is more than just gas and coal. It’s a story of Amsterdam’s evolution. It’s a story of human ingenuity and resilience. It is a story of a family. The last director Edouard Prisse and his family lived in the director’s house. They were known for their kindness and hospitality. Their home was filled with music and laughter.
Today the Zuidergasfabriek’s legacy lives on. Not in the form of gas production but in its surviving structures. These stand as a testament to a pivotal part of Amsterdam’s industrial history. The Bella Vista park now occupies much of the former site. The protected buildings remain as important links to the past. They are a reminder of the people and the industry that once thrived here at the Zuidergasfabriek.