Nearly 500 homes planned for Zevenkamp

ROTTERDAM, 12 June 2026 – Rotterdam City Council has approved the ambitions for a major redevelopment around Aarhof and Imkerstraat in Zevenkamp. The area could eventually gain around 500 homes, alongside improved public space, safer routes and renewed neighbourhood facilities.

The approved project ambition document (projectambitiedocument) sets the direction for the next planning phase. It is an early step rather than a final construction plan, meaning the housing designs, building heights and layout will still need to be developed in more detail.

Council backs redevelopment framework

Many Zevenkamp residents have lived in the neighbourhood for years, but much of its housing dates from the 1980s and 1990s. The existing mix no longer meets every local need, particularly as young adults often struggle to find a home in the neighbourhood where they grew up.

“Many young people who grow up in Zevenkamp currently find it difficult to find a home in their own neighbourhood,” says Councillor Chantal Zeegers, responsible for Climate, Construction and Housing. “With these plans, we make sure that people can continue living in Zevenkamp in the future. At the same time, we are investing in greenery, facilities and a pleasant living environment.”

Homes for different life stages

The proposed homes are intended for several groups, including first-time renters and buyers from Zevenkamp, older residents looking to move into a smaller home and care workers who want to live near their workplace.

The number of social rental homes in the area is expected to remain the same, while additional homes will be created in the mid-market segment. Rotterdam will also explore shared housing models in which residents can use communal facilities and meet one another more easily.

Greener streets and safer routes

Although parts of the area will change, the total amount of public green space is expected to remain almost the same. The municipality wants to redesign that greenery so it works better as a place for recreation, social contact and biodiversity.

Imkerstraat is planned to become greener and safer, with more trees and improved walking and cycling routes. Extra parking required by the development should be placed out of sight within the development sites, while the Ommoordse Tocht will be strengthened as a green route for walking and spending time outdoors.

The area is within walking distance of Ambachtsland metro station and close to Ambachtsplein, neighbourhood parks and everyday facilities. The existing health centre and pharmacy will remain and are expected to be improved, while the plans also reserve space for social facilities and places where residents can meet.

These additions are intended to keep Aarhof and Imkerstraat functioning as a local centre for healthcare, daily life and neighbourhood contact, rather than turning the area into a housing development without supporting services.

Impression of the future Imkerstraat, designed as a greener and safer street with space for social contact, walking and cycling.

Impression of the renewed Ommoordse Tocht, designed as a green route with space for nature, walking and neighbourhood life.

Residents shape the next phase

Residents and other local stakeholders have been involved from the beginning. Discussions covered building heights, parking, traffic, greenery and safety, leading the municipality to adjust its ambitions in several of these areas.

The council decision allows the plans to move into their next phase, when the development will be worked out in greater detail. Residents will continue to have opportunities to contribute as the proposals become more concrete.

More information about Aarhof and Imkerstraat is available at https://www.rotterdam.nl/wonen-en-vernieuwen-in-zevenkamp#de-aarhof