ROTTERDAM, 3 February 2025 – The housing development plan for Blokken Q and U in Tweebosbuurt has been revised, significantly increasing the number of affordable rental homes. Originally, the plan included 101 high-end rental properties, but after discussions between housing corporation Hef Wonen and the municipality of Rotterdam, the project has been adjusted to better meet the demand for affordable housing.
Increase in affordable rental homes
The revised plan will add 66 extra homes and shift the focus towards affordability. Of the 167 planned homes, 163 will fall into the social or mid-priced rental category. This change provides more housing options for middle-income residents and seniors, easing pressure on the housing market. The updated plan now includes:
- 40 social rental homes, primarily for seniors
- 123 mid-priced rental homes
- 4 private-sector rental homes
This adjustment introduces a wider variety of housing types and sizes in the neighbourhood.
Shift from high-end to affordable housing
The change reflects the shared ambition of Hef Wonen and the municipality to expand affordable housing options. The original design featured ground-level homes with gardens, which were set to rent for approximately €1,500 per month. However, these were deemed less desirable due to their high price and low housing density. By opting for smaller units, the project can now accommodate more affordable homes.
Alderman Zeegers, responsible for climate, construction, and housing, stated:
“Our housing vision aligns with current needs, focusing more on affordability. We are very pleased that, with the help of the Doorbouwfonds, we can add more social and mid-priced rental homes here.”
Support from the Doorbouwfonds
A financial contribution of €1.5 million from the Doorbouwfonds has been allocated to help realise the revised project. The fund supports municipalities, developers, and other stakeholders in continuing housing projects despite temporary financial difficulties. Its aim is to accelerate the completion of housing developments, particularly in areas with high demand for affordable homes.
Marieke Kolsteeg, chair of Hef Wonen, commented:
“We are pleased that we could increase the number of homes in this project and include a portion in the social housing segment. The addition of social rental homes for seniors is particularly valuable, as there is limited accessible housing for older residents. This fits well within the Langer-Thuis-Opgave initiative.”
Construction timeline
Construction is expected to commence in the second half of 2025.
Location and directions
Tweebosbuurt is located in Rotterdam's Feijenoord district, near the Afrikaanderplein. The area is well-connected by public transport, with tram and metro stations nearby. The neighbourhood has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, aiming to create a balanced mix of social, mid-priced, and private housing.