Amsterdam/Warburg, August 2025 – This month marks the 2-year anniversary of the inauguration of the automated underground parking system at Vijzelgracht in Amsterdam, one of the most innovative urban mobility projects in the Netherlands. The facility, designed and delivered by Lödige Industries, continues to operate flawlessly, having already parked more than 59,600 vehicles since August 2023 and providing residents and the city with efficient, space-saving, and sustainable parking solutions in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal district.
Remarkably, the system is located directly above the busy Noord/Zuid metro lines, making its construction an exceptional feat of both architecture and engineering. Built within what was once an unused "gracht" space idle for decades, the project seamlessly integrates advanced technology into one of Amsterdam’s most constrained and historically sensitive locations.
The Vijzelgracht system is a fully automated underground parking facility with a capacity of 270 vehicles, including 56 dedicated charging points for electric vehicles. Using Lödige Industries’ advanced RESPACE Hybrid parking system – a combination of pallet-based and robotic technology – the facility achieves maximum parking density while maintaining high speed and reliability. Vehicles up to 5 metres in length, 2.10 metres in height, and 3.2 tons in weight can be safely accommodated.
Three modern glass entry cabins are the only visible structures above ground, preserving the historic appearance of the canal district. Vehicles can be accessed conveniently via a dedicated app or license plate recognition system, demonstrating Lödige Industries’ commitment to integrating smart technology into urban mobility.
Engineering Excellence and City Impact
"The Vijzelgracht system is a perfect example of how engineering innovation can enhance city life," said Philippe De Backer, CEO of Lödige Industries. “Two years on, it continues to provide residents and visitors with a seamless, reliable, and sustainable parking experience, showing that modern technology can respect and complement historic urban landscapes.”
Building this automated parking system in the historic Vijzelgracht area required precision, creativity, and technical innovation. Lödige Industries overcame tight underground space constraints with a highly compact and modular design, allowing 270 vehicles – including electric and larger vehicles – to be stored efficiently while ensuring fast, safe, and smooth vehicle retrieval.
"We are proud that Vijzelgracht demonstrates the potential of RESPACE technology in a busy public setting," added Arthur van Brink, Director Lödige Benelux B.V. “The facility’s design, speed, and reliability prove that automated parking solutions can meet high urban demands while preserving the character of a historic city center.”
The system integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban infrastructure, preserving the canals’ historic aesthetic while providing modern functionality. Three discreet glass entry cabins maintain the area’s charm, while state-of-the-art automation and digital access systems ensure convenience for users.
Since its opening, the facility has reduced street-level congestion, improved parking accessibility, and supported the city’s sustainability goals by enabling wider adoption of electric vehicles. Today, theVijzelgracht project stands as a leading example of smart, space-efficient urban mobility, demonstrating how innovative engineering can meet the challenges of dense, historic city centers.
Looking Ahead
Lödige Industries continues to provide full maintenance and technical support for the Vijzelgracht system, ensuring long-term efficiency and safety. The company remains committed to pioneering sustainable urban mobility solutions and looks forward to expanding its automated parking expertise to other cities facing similar challenges.
