ROTTERDAM, 6 October 2025 – Construction of The Sax (De Sax), the striking new high-rise on the Wilhelminapier, is officially confirmed. On 1 October, developers BPD | Bouwfonds Gebiedsontwikkeling and Synchroon signed a turnkey agreement with Achmea Real Estate and NLV, acting for pension funds PME and PMT. The deal secures 822 rental homes, including 458 mid-range units, within the 180-metre-tall tower.

Long-term collaboration delivers results

The agreement marks the outcome of years of cooperation between national and municipal partners. The project became financially viable through support from the national SBI scheme and the municipal SBR subsidy.

Achmea Real Estate, on behalf of PME pension fund, and NLV, on behalf of PMT, each acquire 411 rental apartments in The Sax. The transaction was arranged with assistance from Capital Fit.

Construction will be carried out by BAM Bouw en Techniek, which has been closely involved in the design process since 2018.

Design and urban setting

Situated at the southern tip of the Wilhelminapier, The Sax will serve as the final addition to the skyline that defines the Kop van Zuid. Designed by Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV, the 55-storey building will feature a distinctive, interconnected silhouette that complements the neighbouring towers Boston and Seattle.

The Sax will contain 916 homes in total, including 822 rental units and 94 owner-occupied apartments. The design integrates both public and private gathering areas: communal living rooms, a roof terrace at 100 metres, an automated parking garage and a shared bicycle facility for 1,800 bikes.

Community and sustainability

Beyond housing, the development aims to strengthen community life on the pier. Shared spaces are designed to encourage social connection among residents, while sustainable features such as efficient energy systems and reduced car dependence align with Rotterdam’s broader climate goals.

The project is expected to further enhance the appeal of the Wilhelminapier — a district that has become synonymous with modern architecture and riverside living.

Construction timeline

Construction will officially begin on 28 October 2025, marked by a ceremonial start with all partners. The Sax represents the culmination of fifteen years of joint development by Synchroon (part of TBI Holdings) and BPD.

Completion is scheduled for 2030, after which the Wilhelminapier will be fully developed — a defining moment in the transformation of Rotterdam’s southern waterfront.

ROTTERDAM, 23 September 2025 – Work has started on the Daniel den Hoedbrug, a new pedestrian bridge linking Erasmus MC with Familiehuis Daniel den Hoed in Little C. The 100-metre bridge will provide patients and families with a faster and safer route across the city.

_{Image: Artist impression of Daniel den Hoed bridge. Photo credit: wUrck}

A safe connection across the city

The bridge will remove the need to cross the busy ’s-Gravendijkwal, making it easier for guests of the Familiehuis to reach Erasmus MC. When completed, it will also connect the Tuschinskipark at Coolhaven with the Museumpark via a public passage through the hospital. Delivery is expected in early 2027.

Alderman Pascal Lansink-Bastemeijer said: “This bridge brings patients and families closer together in a safe and accessible way. It is for everyone to use, but its meaning is especially strong for those receiving treatment and their loved ones.”

Honouring Daniel den Hoed

The bridge is named after Dr Daniel den Hoed (1897–1950), a pioneering Rotterdam oncologist regarded as the founder of radiotherapy in the Netherlands. The former Daniel den Hoedkliniek in Rotterdam-Zuid carried his name until it became part of Erasmus MC.

His granddaughter, Susanne den Hoed, said: “This bridge symbolises connection – between patients and families who need each other. It is moving that it carries his name, and it ensures his legacy continues.”

Role of the Familiehuis

For nearly 35 years, Familiehuis Daniel den Hoed has provided temporary accommodation for relatives and friends of cancer patients treated at Erasmus MC. Patients receiving outpatient care can also stay there. The bridge has been a long-held wish of the Familiehuis and was part of the decision to relocate to Little C.

Director Rachel Maréchal said: “Being able to reach each other within minutes is incredibly important. With this bridge, a promise made years ago is finally becoming reality.”

Funding and design

The bridge will cost €8.8 million. Funding comes from the municipality of Rotterdam, Stichting Daniel den Hoed and KWF Kankerbestrijding. More than €300,000 was raised by the foundation itself, with a major contribution from KWF, including €1.1 million collected during the NN Marathon Rotterdam 2023.

Architects wUrck designed the structure, which will be built by Dura Vermeer using weather-resistant steel and wood. The design includes nest boxes for birds, bats and bees to promote biodiversity. A poem by Rotterdam poet Rien Vroegindeweij will be inscribed in the flooring, while a portrait of Daniel den Hoed by artist Celinda Versluis will appear on the exterior.

Part of Hoboken 2030

The bridge is one element of the municipality’s Gebiedsvisie Hoboken 2030 plan, aimed at developing the area between Delfshaven and the city centre into a high-quality, international living environment. Other projects include the creation of Little C, new green spaces and the continued redevelopment of Erasmus MC.

Location and directions

The Daniel den Hoedbrug will link Familiehuis Daniel den Hoed in Little C with Erasmus MC across the ’s-Gravendijkwal, creating a direct pedestrian connection between Coolhaven and the Museumpark.

ROTTERDAM, 4 October 2025 – Work has begun on the Strandboulevard in Hoek van Holland. The renewal will bring a safer, greener and more accessible connection between village and beach.

Start of the works

On Friday, the municipality officially launched the project together with the Hoek van Holland village council and contractor Van Gelder. The Strandboulevard is one of the main access routes to the beach, linking the Schelpweg in the north with the Badweg-Strandweg.

To minimise disruption, construction takes place outside the bathing season and during periods of limited impact on the protected natural environment. The current asphalt surface will be replaced by paving stones, while the speed limit will be reduced to 30 km/h.

Safer for cyclists and pedestrians

A separate cycle lane is being introduced, and parking spaces will be relocated to the west side of the road. This means drivers no longer have to cross the carriageway after parking. These changes are intended to improve road safety for both residents and visitors.

Focus on sustainability and ecology

Environmental considerations form a central part of the design. Additional planting strips and two small tunnels will help amphibians cross safely. Semi-open parking bays will allow for greenery, while street lighting will be removed to reduce light pollution in this Natura 2000 area.

Motorhome parking will no longer be possible on the boulevard; campers will be directed to the Emmaboulevard or Camping Hoek van Holland ONS Recreatieoord.

Local perspectives

Wethouder Robert Simons, responsible for the small communities, said: “With this renewal a long-standing wish of Hoek van Holland residents comes true. The boulevard becomes safer and more attractive, and Hoek van Holland strengthens its position as a year-round coastal destination.”

Together with contractor Van Gelder, Simons symbolically started the works by plugging in a large cable. To reduce emissions, all construction will be carried out with electric machinery.

Timeline and accessibility

The project is scheduled for completion by April 2026, ahead of the next summer season. Until then, the Strandboulevard will be closed to car traffic and parking will not be possible along the road.

Directions to Hoek van Holland

The Strandboulevard lies along the seafront of Hoek van Holland, at the western edge of Rotterdam. The area is accessible by car via the N211 and N220, and by public transport through Hoek van Holland Haven and Hoek van Holland Strand stations on the metro line. From there, the beach and boulevard are a short walk or cycle ride away.

ROTTERDAM, 20 June 2025 – A new residential development in Bloemhof, known as the Dahliablok, has officially commenced construction. The project, located between Lange Hilleweg and Dahliastraat, will provide 33 new homes aimed at improving housing diversity and liveability in Rotterdam-Zuid.

Construction of Dahliablok launched in Bloemhof

On 20 June 2025, Rotterdam alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Building and Housing) laid the first stone of the Dahliablok housing development. The ceremony marked the official start of construction and was attended by representatives of Stevast Ontwikkeling, future residents, and local stakeholders.

The development includes 33 owner-occupied homes in various configurations: family homes, apartments, and maisonettes. The homes are designed to support both families and older residents from the area, and replace a previously deteriorated housing block.

Together with future residents, alderman Chantal Zeegers laid the first stone to mark the official start of construction of the Dahliablok housing project.

Climate-adaptive and energy-efficient homes

The Dahliablok project has been designed with sustainability in mind. All homes will be connected to the local heat network, equipped with solar panels, and arranged around a climate-adaptive inner garden. The garden features a variety of greenery and has been designed to manage heavy rainfall and high temperatures.

Alderman Zeegers commented on the project’s relevance to the city’s broader housing goals: “The Dahliablok increases diversity in Bloemhof’s housing supply. It facilitates mobility on the housing market and offers young families and seniors future-proof homes in their own neighbourhood.”

Dahliablok brings 33 new homes to Bloemhof

Dahliablok brings 33 new homes to Bloemhof

Part of the NPRZ programme

The Dahliablok is part of the National Programme Rotterdam South (Nationaal Programma Rotterdam Zuid – NPRZ) and contributes to the municipality’s 2030 housing vision. The programme is focused on urban renewal and creating opportunities for both current and future residents of the southern part of the city. A significant portion of the new homeowners are originally from Rotterdam-Zuid, encouraging local movement and improving access to suitable housing.

In addition to the residences themselves, the public space around the development will be upgraded. New green features, including façade gardens and planting beds, are planned to enhance the area’s liveability and climate resilience. Completion of the project is expected in summer 2026.

Location and directions

The Dahliablok project is located between Lange Hilleweg and Dahliastraat in the Bloemhof neighbourhood of Rotterdam-Zuid. This residential area is accessible by public transport via tram and bus routes, and lies within walking distance of Feijenoord and Afrikaanderwijk. The area is characterised by a mix of older brick houses and newer developments.