The monumental crane on Calandkade is now a striking sight even in the evenings thanks to newly installed lighting. Alderman Saskia Bruines (Heritage) and council member Anthony Uduba (VVD) officially activated the lighting.
The gantry crane, built in 1968 by Conrad Stork in Haarlem, is a characteristic example of 1960s industrial design. Its robust construction, elevated on legs to allow trucks and concrete mixers to pass underneath, demonstrates the central importance of functionality and ease of use during that period. For many years, the crane was used by the building materials retailer Verhulst, providing a tangible reminder of the bustle of Laakhavens, once a major industrial and port area.
Across the water, on Neherkade, stands a similar crane. These cranes in Laakhavens have been out of use since 2000. After the Hague Industrial Heritage Foundation (SHIE) drew attention to their poor technical condition, the municipality purchased the cranes. In 2018, they were designated a municipal monument due to their architectural and historical value and as an increasingly rare example of industrial heritage from the 1960s. During the restoration, the cranes were returned to their original condition as much as possible. In 2019, they were named Verhulst (Calandkade) and Fabriton (Neherkade).
The crane on Calandkade is a striking landmark in an area undergoing rapid development. During the quay’s redevelopment, the crane was relocated to enable its preservation. The crane tells the story of the transition from a working port to a modern residential and commercial area and demonstrates how The Hague is integrating industrial heritage into new urban development.
Since 2023, the cranes have been equipped with a nameplate with a QR code and are part of the De Laakhaven audio tour . The lighting enhances the area’s recognizability, ensuring this Hague heritage remains visible in the streetscape even after sunset.
The crane at Neherkade will also be illuminated after completion of the construction plan.
