ROTTERDAM, 27 June 2024 – The Prins Alexanderplein in Prins Alexander is set to become a green, lively, and atmospheric city square, following the approval of its final design by the city council. The renovation will begin in early 2025, with completion expected a year later.

Definitive design for Prins Alexanderplein approved

The Prins Alexanderplein in Prins Alexander will be transformed into a green and lively urban square. The new design includes spaces for relaxation, walking, water play, and small cultural events. The transformation will create a healthier living environment with cleaner air, more comfortable temperatures, and increased biodiversity.

Alderman Maarten Struijvenberg, responsible for the Prins Alexanderplein city project, stated, “A greener square ensures a healthy living environment, with cleaner air and pleasant temperatures. I am pleased that the currently stony Alexanderplein will soon be a thing of the past. The square will become a place people want to visit, to relax, meet each other, drink coffee, or enjoy the water fountains.”

Green spaces and biodiversity

The final design includes nearly 2,500 m² of new green space and around 50 new trees, including alders, elms, and birches. Existing trees, such as the large chestnut tree, will be preserved. The design, created in collaboration with MORE Landscape, incorporates diverse plant species to attract birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects, enhancing biodiversity.

The planting beds will also function as rainwater reservoirs, helping to reduce waterlogging. Excess rainwater will be directed to open water, thereby decreasing the risk of flooding.

Prins Alexanderplein to get green makeover

Features for children

The new square will include playful elements for children, such as trick fountains (bedriegertjes) and a water tap. A play structure will also be installed, though the specific type is yet to be determined. To accommodate local businesses, loading and unloading zones will be relocated to reduce truck traffic around the square. Additional bicycle and scooter parking will be provided nearby.

Prins Alexanderplein to get green makeover

Conversion of offices to residential buildings

Office buildings around the square will be converted into residential units. The former office building De Ster will become a residential building with 169 rental apartments, a rooftop bar with a garden, and ground-floor hospitality venues with terraces. The building will be available for rent this summer. Future plans also include converting the Saturnus office building into residential units, bringing more life to the square.

Community involvement

Local residents and visitors have contributed ideas and wishes for the new design through various engagement activities, including square discussions and the Gemeentepeiler app. The final design reflects their desires for a green square with ample trees and plants, play equipment, and spaces for small events. Discussions with property owners, developers, and tenants are ongoing to finalise placemaking and programming around the square.

The Alexanderknoop, heart of Rotterdam-East

The municipality aims to develop the Alexanderknoop area, around the Rotterdam Alexander transport hub, into the centre of Rotterdam-East. The green transformation of the Prins Alexanderplein sets the stage for further development in the Alexanderknoop, with plans for residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.

City projects for a greener Rotterdam

The Prins Alexanderplein project is part of Rotterdam's broader initiative to green the city through various urban projects. These projects aim to make living environments more attractive, mitigate heat stress, manage heavy rainfall, and boost biodiversity. While other projects focus on greening the city centre and Rotterdam-South, the Prins Alexanderplein project invests in creating a green living environment in Rotterdam-East.

The East Flank development

Prins Alexanderplein in the Alexanderknoop is part of Rotterdam's East Flank development, which spans the area between Prins Alexander and Zuidplein. The city plans to build 30,000 new homes here to meet the growing demand for housing. The development will include a new city bridge between IJsselmonde and Kralingen and rapid public transport links, ensuring good accessibility for the new homes. The construction will also bring additional amenities such as shops, health centres, sports facilities, community gardens, and green spaces.

For more information about Prins Alexanderplein, visit www.rotterdam.nl/alexanderplein.

Directions to Prins Alexanderplein

Prins Alexanderplein is located in the Alexanderknoop area, near the Rotterdam Alexander transport hub. The square is easily accessible via public transport, including trains, trams, and buses, making it convenient for visitors from across the city.

ROTTERDAM, 30 May 2024 – The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the appointment of a new management team starting 19 August 2024. Rob Streevelaar will assume the role of General Director, while Piet van Gennip will become the Business Director.

New management for Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 19 August 2024

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and its Supervisory Board have confirmed the appointment of a new management team, effective from 19 August 2024. Rob Streevelaar will take over as General Director, and Piet van Gennip will become the new Business Director.

Allard Castelein, representing the Supervisory Board, stated: "With this new management team, we have secured leaders who can advance this top orchestra in the coming years. Both have proven their worth in the sector and can build a more future-proof Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra with their extensive experience. We are confident that they will successfully realise their ambitions for classical music and the broader cultural sector."

Rob Streevelaar's extensive experience

Rob Streevelaar will succeed George Wiegel, who is retiring after 20 years with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (RPhO), including 11 years as a trombonist and 9 years as General Director. Streevelaar has a rich background as a performing musician and educator, having taught at the Rotterdam Conservatory (Codarts) where he studied clarinet. As the director of the SKVR Music School in Rotterdam, he initiated the 'Ieder kind een Instrument' (Every Child an Instrument) programme, making music accessible to children who would not typically have the opportunity.

In 2008, Streevelaar became the director of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra|Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. He was responsible for appointing chief conductors Marc Albrecht and Lorenzo Viotti. Under his leadership, the orchestra engaged a younger and broader audience through innovative programming and established unique housing in a former church in Amsterdam-Oost, known as the NedPhO Koepel. He is currently serving as interim director for Philzuid.

Rob Streevelaar expressed his enthusiasm: "It's wonderful to return to ‘the harbour’. The fantastic Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, with which I grew up and which ignited my love for the symphony orchestra and classical music, is a joy to rejoin. I look forward to working with the musicians, Lahav, the staff, and both familiar and new partners to build the future. We will build on the orchestra's excellent quality with an inviting programme in this dynamic city filled with music."

Piet van Gennip's vision for the future

Piet van Gennip will replace interim director Jaap Lampe as Business Director. Trained as a violinist at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and an economist at the University of Amsterdam, Van Gennip brings a diverse background. He has worked with the Dutch government (Ministry of Finance) and in the private sector (including Berenschot). For the past decade, he served as the director of the Ballet Orchestra, where he established a clear positioning and a new name for the orchestra. His leadership significantly enhanced collaborations with the orchestra's partners, Het Nationale Ballet and NDT, and saw artistic growth.

Piet van Gennip commented: "The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra combines international class with the proximity of a city orchestra. This exciting combination in the Netherlands' most vibrant city greatly appeals to me. I look forward to strengthening the organisation and expanding the financial foundation so that we can offer even more to the people of Rotterdam and shine on both national and international stages."

ROTTERDAM, 28 May 2024 – Hoogvliet supermarket has commenced the donation of surplus goods from its e-commerce distribution centre to the Rotterdam-based organisation, SharEaty. The donated items will be distributed across various community kitchens in the city.

Hoogvliet supermarket begins donation of surplus food to SharEaty

On Monday, 27 May 2024, Hoogvliet supermarket handed over the first surplus goods from its e-commerce distribution centre to SharEaty. This collaboration aims to combat food waste and poverty in Rotterdam. SharEaty will now collect surplus products daily and distribute them to social kitchens in community centres, primary schools, and homeless shelters in Rotterdam.

SharEaty's mission to reduce food waste and poverty

SharEaty is a Rotterdam-based organisation dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting poverty by collecting surplus food from producers and supermarkets. These ingredients are then delivered to social kitchens in the Rotterdam area, where they are used to prepare meals for those in need. Petra Vennegoor, an ambassador for SharEaty who facilitated the partnership with Hoogvliet, expressed her gratitude: "Thanks to Hoogvliet for donating surplus food. This collaboration once again proves that wasting food is completely unnecessary. Hoogvliet recognises that by working together, we can make a greater impact, whether it's reducing food waste or helping someone in need; together, we achieve more."

Shared vision for nutritious meals

Hoogvliet shares SharEaty's belief that everyone deserves a nutritious, healthy meal. The supermarket is keen to support SharEaty's goal of providing 1 million meals and reducing CO2 emissions by 1.5 million kilos. The initiative ensures that food products, which can no longer be sold online, are now directed to people in the immediate vicinity of Hoogvliet's Rotterdam branches, rather than being discarded.

ROTTERDAM, 17 April 2024 – Bold new urban developments are reshaping Rotterdam's skyline and enhancing the city's green spaces. Feyenoord City unveils revised plans promising a harmonious blend of residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.

Revised vision for Feyenoord City presented to council

The Rotterdam council has been presented with updated plans for the Feyenoord City project, following the revision of the previous 2018 Stadionpark Area Vision ('Gebiedsvisie Stadionpark') and the 2019 Masterplan Feyenoord City. Adjustments were necessitated after the Council of State nullified the initial zoning plan at the end of 2022, coupled with the suspension of new stadium plans. The revised proposal is scheduled for council deliberation in May.

Urban integration and amenities

According to the new blueprint, De Kuip will maintain its status as a football stadium, augmented by the addition of a new city bridge and the Stadionpark train station ('treinstation Stadionpark'). Feyenoord City is designated to feature between 7,000 and 9,500 new residences, with approximately 350,000 square metres allocated for businesses, education, social facilities, recreation, and sports. An ambitious Waterfront Ambition Document ('ambitiedocument Waterkant') has been drafted for the area initially reserved for a new stadium. The realization of these plans is set to forge a vibrant centre in South Rotterdam, offering an inviting riverside for the enjoyment of the entire city.

Artist's impression of Feyenoord City 2.0 and the Waterfront. A new centre in the city. Concept by OMA and LOLA

Green urban landscapes

 The project plans reveal the emergence of a verdant area along the river. The introduction of a tidal park and a new river promenade is poised to establish a fresh destination for recreation and water sports in Rotterdam. The 'Rondje Stadionpark', a pathway connecting various locales, will enable activities such as walking, skating, and running. New connections over the railway lines are planned to enhance accessibility between Feyenoord City and neighbouring districts, significantly improving Hillesluis's linkage to the river.

Alderman Zeegers, the municipal executive of climate, construction, and housing, stated: “This plan ensures that Feyenoord City becomes an agreeable location for all Rotterdammers, with residents of adjacent neighbourhoods primarily benefiting from the new developments.”

The tidal park will be a place of tranquility for everyone in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Concept by the Municipality of Rotterdam.

Community collaboration

In devising the master plan and Waterfront Ambition Document, extensive consultation took place with residents and business owners from Hillesluis, Feijenoord, and Afrikaanderwijk. Design bureaus EFFEKT, OMA, LOLA, the Stigam foundation, and municipal specialists have integrated the community discussions into the planning framework.

Construction and housing development

The Waterfront is poised to accommodate approximately 4,000 homes, underground parking facilities, numerous amenities, and robust transport links. An additional 4,000 to 5,000 dwellings are anticipated across the Veranda, Stadion Triangle ('Stadiondriehoek'), and the Hillesluis Station Environs ('Stationsomgeving Hillesluis'), with space for diverse functions. Stakeholders will continue to be engaged in the development processes.

Social impact and partnerships

Beyond construction, the Feyenoord City 2.0 initiative emphasises social functionality. Community suggestions have shaped aspects such as talent development, urban culture, casual meeting spots, and employment opportunities. Spaces are allocated for enterprises focusing on youth education and development, as well as facilities for daily activities and localized care services.

The Stigam foundation and associated developers, fully supporting the project, are spearheading the initial phase of residential development within Feyenoord City, using the updated plans as a basis for private land development and financing.

Initial construction phases

The administration is requesting the council to establish several specific zoning plans by the summer, aiming to commence the Tidal Park Feyenoord ('Getijdenpark Feyenoord') construction in 2025. Subsequent phases of Feyenoord City will unfold over ten years, with the Waterfront construction starting around 2027. Timeframes for the Veranda and Stadion Triangle remain undetermined. In Hillesluis, the removal of railway yards must precede any new construction, with investigations into relocation ongoing. This also influences the potential construction of the new Stadionpark station, not expected before 2030, along with decisions regarding the precise location of the new city bridge.