Friends of City Centre welcome Memorial of Names |
12-06-2014 |
The executive committee of the Society of Friends of Amsterdam City Centre (VVAB) decided Wednesday not to object to the Holocaust Memorial of Names in Wertheim Park. “The physical damage to the park is not such that it justifies an objection,” states the VVAB on its Facebook page.
The Facebook statement continues:
“The Memorial of Names covers just 8 percent of the park (60 percent of the 1000 m2 memorial is situated in the 7500 m2 park, and 40 percent on the adjoining sports ground) and cleverly takes its surroundings into account. The design is tailor made for the specific location, and the two monumental trees are preserved.
The position of the memorial along the side of the old park means that it has little or no negative effect on the values of the park at stake, such as its plan and composition.
Moreover, the plan also contains some very positive aspects such as the expansion of the park into the sports ground, the extension of the footpath along the water, the introduction of more light and air around the Broken Mirror Memorial and so on. In addition, the VVAB is pleased that its earlier criticism of the park’s redevelopment has been taken into consideration. Almost no changes are made to the park itself, as was originally the intention (alterations to its characteristic layout, removal of fencing, etc).
Accordingly, from the viewpoint of the desired preservation of the park, there is no good reason to contest the erection of the memorial, which in itself should of course be viewed as particularly valuable. This is independent of the fact that the park is not a protected monument (only the entrance with the sphinxes and the fountain enjoy a protected status). The executive committee was unanimous in reaching this decision.”
Back to Overview