ROTTERDAM, 3 June 2025 – The municipality has formally moved to protect Landtong Rozenburg as a permanent nature area. New zoning procedures have begun to prevent future industrial use of the land.

_{Image: Landtong Rozenburg from its westernmost point. Photo credit:  A.Beijer}

Landtong Rozenburg to be safeguarded as a green zone

The municipality of Rotterdam has initiated a formal procedure to permanently preserve the Landtong Rozenburg as a natural area. A preparatory zoning decision has been adopted, marking the start of the process to change the area's current industrial designation into a green one (groene bestemming) under the environmental zoning plan (omgevingsplan). This shift ensures that business activities will no longer be permitted on this section of the Landtong.

Legal protections now in effect

The preparatory decision immediately enforces protective regulations that prohibit industrial use of the land until the zoning amendment is finalised. This decision follows prior commitments made by the municipal executive and aligns with the city’s coalition agreement, which stipulates that the Landtong must remain green.

Community input acknowledged by city officials

Alderman Robert Simons, responsible for small communities (kleine kernen), stated: “With this decision, we are finally giving the people of Rozenburg the certainty they have been asking for: the Landtong will remain green. We are now putting it in writing that this unique natural area will be preserved for future generations.”

Alderman Chantal Zeegers, who oversees climate, housing and construction, added: “We are embedding the green value of this area within our environmental planning. It ensures that the natural experience and biodiversity of the Landtong are not only appreciated but also legally protected.”

Local resistance to industrial plans since 2018

Public debate over the future of the Landtong began in 2018, when plans emerged suggesting a potential distribution centre in the area. The proposal met with strong opposition from local residents and environmental organisations. For many, the Landtong represents a rare green refuge amid the industrial landscape of the port – a space valued for tranquillity, recreation, and biodiversity. The municipal executive has since come to share this vision.

The proposal is expected to be discussed in the municipal council in the near future.

How to get there

Landtong Rozenburg lies within the industrial port area west of central Rotterdam. The area is known for its contrast between heavy industry and scenic natural zones. It is accessible by car and bicycle from Rozenburg and neighbouring parts of the Botlek. Visitors should expect open green fields, walking paths, and water views.

ROTTERDAM, 28 May 2025 – A new joint initiative has been launched in Rotterdam to tackle complex housing issues in vulnerable neighbourhoods more effectively. Titled Rotterdams Goed Wonen (Rotterdam Good Living), the programme marks a shift towards a more integrated approach, focusing initially on five districts in Rotterdam South.

New housing strategy launched to tackle problems in vulnerable areas

The municipality of Rotterdam, in collaboration with housing associations, police, healthcare organisations and neighbourhood teams, has introduced Rotterdams Goed Wonen, aiming to address substandard housing conditions in a coordinated manner. Key target areas include Bloemhof, Carnisse, Hillesluis, Pendrecht-Zuidwijk and Tarwewijk.

The initiative responds to housing problems such as overcrowding, unregistered tenants, illegal room rentals and neglected buildings. Rather than addressing such issues in isolation, the new strategy treats them as interconnected challenges requiring a joint response. A team of approximately 40 specialists has been assembled to carry out inspections and interventions.

Integrated action guided by data

The approach is data-driven, allowing authorities to identify suspect properties using internal analyses alongside public reports. At least 1,250 cases will be addressed annually, supported by 12 joint action days in the selected neighbourhoods.

Inspectors, enforcement officers and partner organisations will carry out operations together. When necessary, fines will be issued and repeat offenders penalised, particularly in cases involving breaches of the Good Landlordship Act (Wet goed verhuurderschap) and the Affordable Rent Act (Wet betaalbare huur).

Cross-sector collaboration

Key to the programme’s execution is its multidisciplinary structure. Various municipal departments – including Urban Management, Urban Development and Public Safety – are working closely with external partners and law enforcement. Neighbourhood support teams also participate when social or psychological issues are present in affected households.

Cases are reviewed collectively at so-called ‘case tables’, where representatives from each sector contribute to joint decision-making.

Alderman for Climate, Construction and Housing, Chantal Zeegers, noted: “With Rotterdams Goed Wonen we are building on our existing efforts. By combining our strengths and using data smartly, we can act faster and prevent problems before they escalate.”

Part of a broader vision

The pilot phase is aligned with the National Programme Rotterdam South (Nationaal Programma Rotterdam Zuid), which seeks to improve prospects for residents through better education, employment and housing. The initiative is supported by €5 million in national Regio Deal funding and an additional €5 million from the municipality.

There is an ambition to eventually extend the approach to other parts of the city, creating a housing market that is fair, secure and sustainable for all residents.

ROTTERDAM, 2 June 2025 – A new street campaign launched by the municipality of Rotterdam aims to tackle financial stress among residents by offering proactive assistance directly in neighbourhoods and markets.

Municipality offers direct help with financial stress

In an effort to address growing financial concerns among residents, the municipality of Rotterdam has been running a campaign titled Geldzorgen? Ik help jou ("Money worries? I help you") since April. The initiative sees municipal staff, including support workers from Geldplein, engaging directly with people in public spaces to offer immediate help.

Support may include financial advice or assistance in applying for municipal schemes through the online tool Geldwijzer, available on the municipality’s official website.

Alderman Norville joins the campaign in person

Alderman Abigail Norville stated, “Money worries are affecting more and more people. As a municipality, we want to be proactive by standing beside the people of Rotterdam—visible in the neighbourhoods, speaking their language, and offering concrete help and a human connection. That is how we build trust, step by step.”

On Wednesday afternoon, 4 June, Alderman Norville will participate in the campaign at Afrikaanderplein. She will visit the market and go door-to-door, engaging with residents in a casual and personal manner.

Collaboration with local networks

The campaign works alongside local organisations and key community figures, such as neighbourhood volunteers and informal leaders. Each area receives tailored attention, ensuring the approach fits the specific needs of its residents. The initiative is supported by large city billboards and social media outreach.

The core message remains: support is nearby, and residents do not need to ask for it—it will come to them.

Next stops across the city

Following Afrikaanderplein, the campaign team will continue its efforts in Kralingen-Crooswijk. The initiative will remain visible throughout the city, offering residents guidance on where to find support.

Residents experiencing financial difficulties are encouraged to call 14010 and press 4, or visit rotterdam.nl/geldzorgen for more information.

Directions to Afrikaanderplein

Afrikaanderplein is a central public square in the Afrikaanderwijk neighbourhood of Rotterdam-Zuid. The area is easily accessible by tram and metro, with nearby stops including Maashaven and Rijnhaven. The market and residential surroundings offer a lively setting for the outreach campaign.

ROTTERDAM, 22 May 2025 – Rotterdam will implement 25 traffic circulation measures over the coming years to improve accessibility, liveability, and sustainability. The measures form part of the city’s newly adopted Traffic Circulation Plan (Verkeerscirculatieplan), which was formally approved by the municipal executive.

Rotterdam adopts traffic circulation plan

The Traffic Circulation Plan (Verkeerscirculatieplan or VCP) aims to support a growing population while addressing pressures on public space. As the city attracts more residents, workers, and visitors, officials are shifting focus from through-traffic to local mobility.

The plan prioritises walking, cycling, and greenery, while improving overall traffic flow. It also seeks to reduce congestion in residential neighbourhoods by redirecting traffic to main roads and the city’s ring road.

A shift towards sustainable urban mobility

The VCP introduces 25 measures intended to make Rotterdam safer and more accessible. These will be introduced in phases over the coming years. The initiative is designed to balance the demands of urban growth with the need for a healthier living environment.

According to Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer, “With this Traffic Circulation Plan, we are choosing a future-proof city. A city where people can live, work and stay comfortably. Where everyone can move quickly and safely—whether walking, cycling, using public transport or driving.”

Reducing through-traffic in the city centre

Research indicates that nearly a quarter of all traffic in and around the city centre is through-traffic—vehicles without a destination in Rotterdam. The new plan seeks to reroute this traffic via major roads and the ring road, thereby easing pressure on local streets.

This redirection is expected to make neighbourhoods quieter and safer, and to create space for slower traffic and green infrastructure.

Public input and evidence-based planning

The plan is the result of extensive consultation and research. Since the draft version was presented in May 2024, residents, business owners, and stakeholders have contributed feedback via public meetings, an online questionnaire, and an exhibition at the Timmerhuis.

Analyses on traffic flow, air quality, noise, and economic impact were also carried out. Adjustments were made to the plan based on both community input and research findings.

Implementation to begin in phases

The first phase of implementation is expected to begin shortly. The full rollout of the 25 measures will take place in stages over the next few years.