Zuidas (literally 'Southern Axis') is a major new development zone in Amsterdam. Over the coming years, 270 hectares will be converted into a new urban centre devoted to international commerce and knowledge development. Some four hundred companies, many leading multinationals, have already opted to locate in the district. Zuidas is also home to one of the Netherlands' largest universities and its academic teaching hospital, the VU Medical Center.
 

As well as a leading centre of business, research and academic pursuit, Zuidas will be a residential area of allure. Homes in various price categories are in development (or have already been completed) while amenities such as shops, (international) schools, bars and restaurants, sports centres and many other services will complete the picture. Exclusive retail outlets, theatres, concert halls and museums will attract visitors from throughout the Netherlands and far beyond. As a 'home from home' for many expats, this particularly international setting will provide the ideal location for all companies, not least because the Amsterdam metropolitan region offers a ready supply of highly qualified, motivated and multilingual staff.
 

The development of Zuidas is to be as 'sustainable' as possible, ensuring fully flexible and future-proof accommodation for companies and their staff. Together with the seaport of Rotterdam and Amsterdam's international airport at nearby Schiphol, the 'brainport' that is Zuidas completes a winning combination. The Netherlands and Amsterdam occupy a prime geographic location as the 'gateway to Europe'. Already an ideal business location, Zuidas will go from strength to strength in the years ahead.
 

Zuidas enjoys excellent accessibility and a full range of transport connections. It offers a high-quality business and residential environment, yet is firmly part of the historic city of Amsterdam. Everything which makes Amsterdam such an attractive international destination is within the proverbial stone's throw. There are regular, rapid rail connections to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the A10 highway is practically on the doorstep, and the district is well served by trams, buses and the metro light railway. Transport links will be further expanded and improved in future. A section of the A10 is to be moved underground, as will the existing rail and metro lines. This will create space for up to 2.7 million m2 of new construction and public areas of the highest quality.
 

Also nearby is Museumplein, the cultural heart of Amsterdam and home to the world famous Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art and the Concertgebouw. From here it is just a few minute's walk to the historic city centre with its famous canals. While Zuidas is very centrally located, it is also close to wide open areas, with plentiful water and greenery. Just to the west are the Nieuwe Meer (lake) and the Amsterdamse Bos (woods), the largest park in the city. To the east is the River Amstel, set amid typically Dutch meadowlands dotted with the historic villas and country estates of the Golden Age.
 

Before long, Zuidas will welcome over 200,000 people every day. They will include 25,000 permanent residents, 80,000 employees and 30,000 students. Some thirty thousand people already work in the district. With Schiphol airport a mere six minutes away by train, the entire world is on the doorstep. Around six million people live within an hour's journey time of Zuidas, by car, cycle, public transport, air or on foot. Zuidas will soon have a major railway station and transport hub serving over 250,000 passengers a day. With its direct connection to Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the High-Speed Link to Brussels, the Thalys service to Paris, and the ICE train to Cologne and Berlin, Zuidas will be Amsterdam's main international station.