Initially constructed in the early 1950s, the Geuzenveld/Slotermeer district is a suburb in the west of Amsterdam. Like most other urban areas built during the austere post-war years, it was in dire need of a facelift by the end of the previous century.

In tackling this challenge, MAB Development decided to take an integrated approach, focusing equally on shops, dwellings, parking, recreational facilities and public spaces. Shopping Centre ’40-’45 offers proof positive of our ability to tackle small-scale projects, bringing significant strategic improvements to existing areas.

Prior to 1998, this heavily-built up area consisted of shops on the square itself and on two adjacent streets (Burgemeester de Vlugtlaan and Slotermeerlaan). We extended the facilities with a new and highly attractive shopping space that covers 12,000m² and contains 30 units.

Inter-connection and cohesion were the main elements in redeveloping the public areas, with two attractive and logically positioned covered passageways connecting the streets and square with each other.

Opened in 2001, the retail facilities gained added kudos from the addition of a leading supermarket and the major refurbishment of one of Holland’s leading department stores. Owner-occupied apartments were built above the shopping centre itself, each with its own parking space in the public car park. Again, this added touch has ensured that the new development is a pleasant place to live as well as shop.