In 1989, the 22 original industrial buildings were granted the status of national monuments.
The giant gas holder proved suitable for big events like house parties, pop concerts, operas and other manifestations. For a few big festivals (Drum Rhythm Festival, Holland Festival) the grounds as well as the buildings were used.
In 1993, the city decided that the terrain of the former gas factory would be available for cultural activities, initially for the period of one year, but it was extended to seven years.
During this period, the project office was under the leadership of Evert Verhagen, an atchitect who promoted a variety of cultural initiatives.
O. Koekebakker, Cultuurpark Westergasfabriek: transformatie van een industrieterrein (Rotterdam, 2003), 24.
[1] W.H. Hoekwater, Polderkaart van de landen tusschen Maas en IJ (Amsterdam, 1910).