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Zero Waste Cup system launches in Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten city news 30 June 2021

Sustainability

With the launch of the Zero Waste Cup, a smart, reusable cup system for 'on the go', entrepreneurs and consumers can now choose a sustainable alternative to the traditional disposable cups.

Paardekooper and tech start-up PackBack are introducing a smart, reusable cup system for 'on the go'. In combination with the 100% recyclable Zero Waste Cup, this user-friendly system helps the hospitality industry to take a big step towards operating in a circular manner. The integral approach contributes to preventing (litter) waste around coffee corners (company canteens), stadiums, amusement and holiday parks as well as zoos while also reducing CO2 emissions. As of 1 July, Rotterdam consumers can be the first to experience the convenience of this sustainable cup system.

Complies with new EU legislation on disposable plastic

What is unique is that, thanks to a patented design, the cup requires little material, is well insulated and is 100% recyclable. The cup also complies with the Single Use Plastics (SUP) legislation, the new EU regulations that will ban single-use plastic products from 3 July 2021. Styrofoam coffee cups with lids, plastic stirrers and other single-use plastic products will no longer be allowed.

Fourth generation and CMO Lyanne Paardekooper: "The Dutch drink about 225 million coffees to-go each year. This integral reusable cup system helps us and our customers to take a big step from linear to circular business. A strong weapon in the fight against (litter) waste and CO2 emissions. At Paardekooper, we see recycling in combination with smart systems as the future. We are realising the system for 'on the go' together with the unique technology of circular tech start-up PackBack. With it, we can easily trace the cups in the chain with a QR code and facilitate the repayment of the deposit fully digitally."

Consumer demands

The new concept helps businesses better cater to consumer demand since they are increasingly willing to go the extra mile for a better environment, and expect entrepreneurs to do the same. By opting for the Zero Waste Cup and thus for the circular pool system, consumers show their friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances that they consider it important to do their bit to create less waste. Without it costing them extra effort or money.

Start in Rotterdam

So how does this work? The Zero Waste Cup will be available from 1 July at six coffee shops in Rotterdam: Picknick Rotterdam, Parqiet, Sajoer, Bertmans, Holy Ravioli and SLA. The participating catering businesses can be recognised by specially designed yellow posters on the door or shop window. Paardekooper and PackBack will supply the entrepreneurs behind these businesses with the necessary stock of reusable cups.

Zero Waste Cup poster

AM, Heijmans deliver 133 Rotterdam homes in Imagine project

Bryan van Putten city news 18 June 2021

AM and Heijmans sell 133 homes to Vesteda in Imagine project in Rotterdam.

Rotterdam, 18 June 2021 - Area developer AM and Heijmans Vastgoed are selling 133 rental flats and 40 parking spaces in the Imagine project in Rotterdam to Vesteda. Imagine consists of energy efficient flats and will have a collective courtyard garden. In addition to 133 rental flats for the medium-price range, the project also includes 162 owner-occupied flats.

About the Imagine residential project in Rotterdam

Imagine is located on the border of Parkstad, on the corner of Laan op Zuid and Rosestraat. The energy-efficient apartment complex consists of two tall residential buildings that are connected at street level by a building with commercial and social functions. In total, 295 homes will be built in Imagine.

The light façade materials make Imagine a striking new residential icon on the Rotterdam skyline. The flats overlook the green courtyard garden, the river Maas, the new Feyenoord City and towards the city centre.

Imagine was designed by Barcode Architects. The living areas of Vesteda's flats range from approximately 50 to 95 m2, with an average of 70 m2. Imagine offers a varied mix of owner-occupied and rental housing and is suitable for a broad public. Parking is possible in the basement, where facilities for shared mobility are also provided.

The sale of 133 rental homes to Vesteda

With this acquisition Vesteda adds another 133 Rotterdam rental homes in the mid-range segment, 59 of which are in the regulated segment. Pieter Knauff, chief investment officer at Vesteda: "At a stone's throw from the Maas River, Rotterdam Zuid railway station and close to all kinds of other amenities, we offer 133 spacious and sustainable rental flats to middle-income renters. Imagine sets the tone for a new high-quality residential area. Thanks to AM, Heijmans and the City of Rotterdam for the excellent cooperation.

Wilco van den Ban, on behalf of AM and Heijmans: "We are delighted that at this location, near the future Feyenoord City, we are creating a new sustainable inner city living environment that has everything. From housing to sport. From parks to nightlife. Anyone who lives in Imagine will be at the basis of a new district of Rotterdam. We are pleased with Vesteda's confidence in this project and this area.

Construction is in the hands of a building consortium consisting of BAM Wonen and Heijmans Woningbouw and is expected to start in October 2021.

Motto by Hilton to make its European debut in Rotterdam

Bryan van Putten city news 24 May 2021

Motto Rotterdam Blaak will be the brand's first location in the Netherlands and Europe when it opens in 2022.

ROTTERDAM, 24 May 2021 - Hilton today announced it has signed a franchise agreement for a new Motto by Hilton hotel in Rotterdam. The 109-room property will be the first Motto by Hilton hotel in both the Netherlands and Europe. The property will be operated by Borealis Hotel Group, while the development is in the hands of Dutch project developer White House Development. Motto Rotterdam Blaak is currently under construction and expects to welcome its first guests in 2022. Motto by Hilton is the latest Hilton brand to be launched in Europe. It joins thirteen other 'by Hilton' hotels that are now located in the Netherlands under five different brands.

Patrick Fitzgibbon, Senior Vice President, Development, EMEA, Hilton said: ''It is a good time to introduce Motto by Hilton in the Netherlands. We are delighted to be working with our experienced partners at Borealis Hotel Group once again. Motto by Hilton will appeal especially to groups who travel for pleasure. The hotel's excellent city centre location, flexible meeting spaces and the ability to connect rooms will all contribute to its appeal. We also look forward to adding new European cities to our portfolio''.

Rotterdam was chosen as the first European location for the concept because of its vibrant restaurant and bar scene and striking architecture.

Motto by Hilton makes its European debut in Rotterdam

Tripp McLaughlin, Global Head, Motto by Hilton: "After the previous success of Motto in America, we are looking forward to continuing this in Europe with our first location in Rotterdam. This great city combines the buzz of international commerce with a youthful, urban energy, which is reflected in its dynamic artistic and cultural scene. It is a perfect fit for Motto, which connects travellers with local cultures in the most sought-after urban locations with the best aspects of a lifestyle hotel."

Guests can expect, among other things, flexible, connectable rooms. The vibrant urban design will feature multiple multifunctional meeting areas. Every Motto by Hilton includes the latest technological applications. For example, guests can check in by mobile phone, open the door, stream their favourite media and check out.

Bart van de Kamp, CEO, Borealis Hotel Group: "Rotterdam is one of Europe's most popular emerging destinations. It offers curious travellers the chance to discover modern Dutch culture in one of the country's most dynamic cities. Located in the heart of the cultural and artistic centre of the city, Motto Rotterdam Blaak satisfies both international and local demand. The hotel is a perfect complement to our projects in Rotterdam and strengthens our position in the Netherlands. We are also delighted to be working with Hilton again and to bring the first European Motto by Hilton hotel to this great city. We look forward to welcoming our first guests next year."

Bright, open common areas for work and relaxation

Characteristic of Motto by Hilton hotels are the multi-faceted, open common areas. Motto Rotterdam Blaak is no exception. A spacious central atrium, full of natural light from a large glass roof, will serve as a public space and offer an innovative range of food and beverage options. Here, hotel guests and locals alike can enjoy a morning coffee while starting their workday, or enjoy a drink before heading out to explore the neighbourhood's vibrant nightlife.

Centrally located in the heart of Rotterdam

Motto Rotterdam Blaak is located just 1.4 km from Rotterdam Central Station at Botersloot 25, offering easy access to the city's top attractions. Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Oude Haven, the Maritime Museum and the Cube Houses are all within easy reach. Within a few minutes' walk, guests will find themselves in Rotterdam's famous Markthal, a unique and strikingly designed hybrid building where visitors can shop, eat and drink at nearly 100 food and beverage outlets. The nearest underground station, Rotterdam Blaak, is just 350 metres from the hotel. In addition, Rotterdam Airport is just eight kilometres away.

Motto Rotterdam Blaak will be part of the Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme. This allows more than 112 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn points for hotel stays and experiences. There are also direct benefits, including contactless check-in, a digital key and connected rooms.

Hilton currently operates 13 hotels in the Netherlands under five different brands, including Waldorf Astoria, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.

Start of new sailing season for whisper boats in Schiedam

Bryan van Putten city news 21 May 2021

ROTTERDAM, 20 May 2021 - Tuesday 1 June sees the start of the new whisper boat sailing season in Schiedam. Until 31 October, you can once again sail past the tallest windmills in the world, beautiful warehouses and distilleries in the old town.

Viewing Schiedam from the water, whether in a rented boat or in a guided tour, gives a whole new impression of the authentic lively town centre and harbours. The sailing season starts on Tuesday 1 June and lasts until Sunday 31 October. You can make a tour with a whisper boat six days a week, except on Mondays. The whisper boats can also be booked for private trips with your own group.

So, if you're looking for something to do this summer, boating in Schiedam is an idea worth considering. It comes in two flavours: you can choose between the available guided tours via whisper boat, or rent a whisper boat (including captain) that seats up to 18 or 26 people.

New jetties in Schiedam

The municipality of Schiedam has constructed two new public landing stages in the inner harbours. One public jetty is still under construction. The jetty near Koninklijke de Kuyper Distillery on the Buitenhaven is ready. The second jetty at the Buitenhaven near P. Loopuyt & Co Distillers is under construction. These jetties will make the Schiedam distillers easier to reach from the water.

The third jetty is located on the Westvest, close to the Museummolen De Walvisch. From 1 June, this will be the embarkation point for the round trips. Would you like to read more about the new jetties? Click here. Want to visit these distilleries? Check out the tours & tickets possibilities here.

Boating in Schiedam

Schiedam can be reached via the Schie or from the Nieuwe Maas. The opening hours of the bridges are from Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday to Sunday from 9 am to 8.30 pm. For more information about navigation depths, bridges, locks and marinas be sure to visit www.sdam.nl.

Bolt taxi service in Rotterdam now allows pets on board

Bryan van Putten city news 20 May 2021

Taxi
Pets

ROTTERDAM, 20 May 2021 - Bolt taxi service now allows pets on board. Pet owners in Rotterdam are now able to use the 'Pet category' to request pet-friendly rides at no extra cost.

The European taxi service launches the new Pet-category in the app, which allows you to take your dog, cat or chinchilla in the taxi without extra costs. Drivers can choose to turn the category on or off in the app and offer pet-friendly rides. There is no direct limit on the size of a pet, but the pet must fit on the lap, on the floor of the car or in a carrier.

For many people, a pet is an important family member. In the Netherlands, the total number of pets is estimated at 27 million. During the pandemic, pet ownership and adoption experienced an unprecedented rise. Dogs and cats are particularly popular: according to recent figures from the NVG, almost 25% of households now have a cat and just under 20% have a dog.

"We see that pets are an increasingly important part of the family. But it is not always easy to arrange comfortable transport for your four-legged friend. With Bolt, we want to offer affordable alternative transport where people are less dependent on personal car ownership in the Netherlands. Where in the past, when booking a ride, it was sometimes uncertain whether your pet could travel with you, with this new category you can be sure that you can travel together in comfort", says Lars Speekenbrink, country manager Bolt Netherlands.

The new category is available in all cities where Bolt is operational. Other than Rotterdam, these cities include The Hague, Amsterdam, Haarlem and Almere.