Ajax did not rush into the construction of De Nieuwe Toekomst. Fifteen years ago, the decision was made to stop having the first team train next to the Johan Cruijff ArenA and instead move to De Toekomst, where the youth teams had already been training and playing matches.
Over the past years, that complex became overcrowded. In 2017, Ajax and the municipality agreed that De Nieuwe Toekomst would become part of De Nieuwe Kern, a new urban district. Construction of the new facility for Ajax Men's and the Ajax Women's first teams finally began in 2023.
"The task Ajax gave us was to create a more private zone for the professional football department, expand possibilities for the youth academy, accommodate the growing girls’ and women’s branches, and ultimately bring all of Ajax together on one site," explains Melle Sitters, project lead for De Nieuwe Toekomst.
With the completion of the main building for Ajax Men and Ajax Women, Ajax has succeeded in that first mission. One of the key requirements, according to Director of Football Marijn Beuker, was to make the new building one of the best-functioning sports complexes in the world. "With a large group of people, we thought about how this building could best support the programme we want to run for both the men and women. This will give an enormous boost."
"The most important thing, of course, happens outside the building: training," Beuker continues. "But we also train indoors in the gym to make players more robust, and this building allows us to run a dual programme. New elements have been added that support recovery: the rest and regeneration spaces. This is an important step forward. Many more people can now work in a calm environment, which is essential for elite sport. A good building has nothing to do with luxury or comfort — a good building gives you the opportunity to work hard."
Sustainability
The construction of the complex was carried out with a sharp focus on sustainability, explains general director Menno Geelen. "We want to be future-proof in that area as well." Ajax seeks a balance between creating a high-performance sports environment and reducing its ecological footprint to help preserve a liveable planet.
More than 500 solar panels have been installed, the building uses a thermal energy storage system, and the entire facility runs on 100% green electricity. "It also extends to the grounds," Sitters adds. "There is heat-stress management, and we handle water in a very efficient way. It’s a broad approach."
The new sustainable Toekomst, in short:
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Gas-free
Using a thermal energy storage system at a depth of 175 metres, the building can be sustainably heated and cooled. This saves 200,000–400,000 m³ of gas annually. More importantly, the fields are also heated and cooled in this way, a huge and unique sustainability improvement. -
Innovative water management
The new training pitch, along with the adjacent field, is connected to a circular soil-management system that ensures efficient water usage. The system automatically regulates the water balance. -
Focus on green spaces
All parking areas are built as “green parking spaces” with semi-permeable surfaces. Trees originally marked for removal on a nearby plot were relocated to the site, reducing heat stress. A vegetated roof has also been added, contributing to CO₂ reduction and creating a healthier environment for players, staff, and visitors. -
Sustainable construction
Thirty percent of the building elements and public-space elements are made from reused or recycled materials. No toxic materials such as lead, uncoated zinc, or tar-based roofing were used. In addition, 40 charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed, and the construction process used electric machinery wherever possible.
Geelen is proud of what now stands at Ajax’s training complex. "It looks fantastic. It’s efficient, functional, and located right next to the pitches. I hope this allows our players to develop in the best way possible."
Positive reactions from players
Ajax Men's defender Lucas Rosa and Ajax Women’s defender Renee van Asten are impressed. "In football we often say: the dressing room is our second home. This is a beautiful home to live in," Rosa says in awe. "It’s great to have new facilities. This is a fresh start for us. We will give our best for Ajax, just as Ajax has done its best for us with this building."
Van Asten is also enthusiastic. "This is such a huge step forward for our team. We’re incredibly excited to move in here. We want to get as much as possible out of this complex so that we can perform to the best of our ability on the pitch."
