Authentic and industrial, a diamond in the rough and virtually unexplored territory in the events industry. A visit to the old sugar factory feels like a voyage of discovery.
Most people know the name SugarCity from the two converted silos in Halfweg, which can be seen from miles away. But the event location of the same name could hardly be more different from the two modern towers. The event location SugarFactory is located in the old factory halls – grand, raw, rusty, and unpolished.
The factory was closed in 1992 and since then time has stood still in the factory halls. At least, that is the impression the event location gives at first glance. The steel beams show signs of rust, and some windows are cracked. But appearances can be deceiving: behind the rugged exterior lies a meticulously maintained event location. In addition to being easily accessible (opposite Halfweg-Zwanenburg railway station and with a large private parking lot), the location is equipped with modern facilities and technology, perfect infrastructure, and an exceptionally hospitable team.
"The steel beams show signs of rust, and some windows are cracked. But appearances can be deceiving: behind the rugged exterior lies a meticulously maintained event location."
Immense and overwhelming
Stepping inside SugarCity for the first time is an overwhelming experience. Yes, we have seen industrial locations before. But what immediately strikes you in the old sugar factory is the height of the rooms. SugarFactory is the only 'vertical factory' in the country. Upon entering, your gaze automatically travels dozens of meters upward, from the concrete floor along the concrete and steel pillars, through the atriums on the mezzanine floors to the ceiling, which rests high above you on an imposing steel support structure. Daylight floods the hall through the skylight. De Middenfabriek, the central event hall, can best be compared to an immense, industrial version of Paradiso.
The large hall has a total floor area of 5,250 square meters, spread over the ground floor (2,000 m²) and two mezzanine floors (1,525 and 1,725 m²). The hall is spacious and grand, but it is not only suitable for large groups. The atrium on the first mezzanine floor is also very suitable for groups of up to 200 people. High above the hall, a VIP deck has been built, from where groups of up to 40 people have an amazing view of the factory hall. Incidentally, the various mezzanine floors are not only accessible to guests: a car lift also allows large objects and vehicles to reach all areas.
High above the hall, a VIP deck has been built, from where groups of up to 40 people have an amazing view of the factory hall.
Gears and flashing lights
If de Middenfabriek is too overwhelming, you can move to the second large event space: de Pulppersloods. With a floor area of 1,000 square meters and a ceiling height of 25 meters, this is no small hall either, although it looks a lot more compact.
The two large halls are connected by de Binnenstraat – an L-shaped hall that can serve as an entrance, but also offers an attractive setting for an event in its own right. The elongated Binnenstraat has a ceiling tens of meters high and is surrounded by a balustrade. This makes the space very suitable for events with a catwalk, for example.
Walking up a staircase from de Pulppersloods, through a heavy door and a dark corridor, we arrive in yet another completely different space: the Turbine Hall. A space filled with large scaffolding, heavy cabinets and instrument panels, decorated with cogs, clocks, green and red illuminated buttons and flashing lights. It could be the set of a science fiction film from the 1970s.
A unique atmosphere
The spaces described are currently fully ready for use. But more typical of the overall atmosphere of SugarFactory are the spaces that have not been mentioned. Balustrades, large and small halls, a laboratory with glass walls; you constantly encounter new spaces with their own unique atmosphere. Spaces that are waiting to be put to use. Perhaps as an event space, perhaps as a restaurant, perhaps as something else entirely. SugarFactory is exciting and new, an unexplored gold mine for events.
Source: Greater Venues
