In our Faces of De Plantage series, we meet the people behind the neighborhood. This time, we speak with Melvin Creemers, Area Broker for the Municipality of Amsterdam.
Who are you and what do you do? What gives you energy in your work?
I’m Melvin Creemers, Area Broker for the Municipality of Amsterdam. I act as the connecting link between residents, entrepreneurs, social organizations, and the municipality (the district, various departments, and also the police and safety teams). Everything comes together through me – and where things get stuck, I help get them moving again.
What gives me energy is helping people and improving the city, step by step.
Can you give a real-life example?
Absolutely. Recently, when the explosions happened on Plantage Kerklaan, we had to act fast. It’s crucial to quickly map out: “What’s going on, what does the neighborhood need, and what information can we communicate back?”
I coordinate internally with safety and enforcement departments, detectives, and local police officers, while also reaching out to the neighborhood, key community figures, and local businesses. Because I’m often present in the area, those connections are already in place — so I know, for example, who to contact when we suddenly need a location for a community information evening.
What gives you the most satisfaction?
Solving problems in a way that benefits everyone. A small example: in one street, bikes were constantly parked against façades. Together with residents, we created small green façades with plants. Now the bikes are parked just a bit further away, the street looks greener and more beautiful — and the view is back. It’s a win for livability and climate adaptation.
What’s your background?
I’ve been working for the municipality for about six years now. Before that, I was a landscape architect, so I understand what’s possible in public spaces — both above and below ground — and how policy works (parking, trees, etc.). That knowledge helps me find practical, balanced solutions together with residents and colleagues.
What should local residents know but probably don’t?
That there’s a participation budget called Centrum Begroot. It provides funding for neighborhood initiatives — from greening projects to social activities and events. In De Plantage, it’s still underused, even though it could make great ideas possible. Think of a project to restore part of a park, or an activity where neighbors cook together. It can be a really fun and meaningful way to strengthen the community.
What’s your hidden gem in De Plantage?
The back of the Hortus, by the water. It’s peaceful and quiet, with a view of the garden, the newly renovated greenhouse, and tropical plants — a spot I love to pass by with friends on the boat. I often sail along De Plantage; it’s a place of silent beauty in the heart of the city, where you might even hear a lion roar in the distance.
Which remarkable Amsterdammer would you like to meet in De Plantage, and why?
Jort Kelder. He lives next to the Hortus, and I’m curious to hear what he, as a local resident, sees as areas for improvement. He’s engaged with the neighborhood and always has strong opinions and surprising ideas.
The previous interviewee, David from the Hyatt Hotel, left you a question:
“How do you envision De Plantage ten years from now? What’s your vision for the area?”
I see more greenery and more space for cyclists and pedestrians. De Plantage is already green, but it could be even greener. I imagine the Plantage Middenlaan transformed into a leafy cycle boulevard, lined with tall plane trees and flowering plant beds filled with herb-rich grass mixtures that attract wild bees.
Who would you like to pass the baton to, and what would you ask them?
To Remy from De Deli Plantage, because as an entrepreneur, he’s managed to establish himself really well here and is very active in the neighborhood. He also makes some truly exceptional sandwiches — so my question to him would be: “Which sandwich best represents De Plantage, and why?”