ROTTERDAM, 8 November 2024 – The centre of Rotterdam is set to undergo significant changes as the city council reviews plans for two major high-rise projects, Lumière and RISE. Together, these developments aim to add 1,750 residential units, revitalising the city centre.

New residential towers to reshape Rotterdam's cityscape

Rotterdam’s city centre is poised for substantial urban development in the coming years. The proposed Lumière and RISE high-rise projects are expected to bring a mix of new housing, commercial spaces, and amenities, creating a more vibrant and connected downtown area. The municipal council has been asked to approve zoning plans for these two projects, which will contribute to a long-term vision for city-centre living.

Increased housing supply with affordable options

The Lumière and RISE developments are designed to address the pressing demand for housing in central Rotterdam, particularly in the affordable segment. Together, these projects will add approximately 1,750 residential units, with almost half designated as affordable.

Lumière, located at the former Lumière cinema site on Kruiskade and Lijnbaan, will provide around 260 rental apartments, of which at least 30% will be available at mid-market rent levels.

Artist’s impression of the Lumière tower in Rotterdam, a new high-rise on Kruiskade set to feature residential apartments, retail spaces, and a rooftop courtyard.

RISE, located near Hofplein, will offer around 1,500 rental and purchase apartments, with a minimum of 50% designated for social and mid-market housing. The project includes the replacement of 226 social rental units currently located at Pompenburg-Doelstraat and adds 73 more social rental apartments, including units designed for specialised care needs.

Artist’s impression of RISE towers in Rotterdam’s Hofplein area, showcasing future skyline changes with the city’s tallest building planned at 286 metres.

Enhancing liveliness and connectivity

The addition of Lumière and RISE will alter Rotterdam's skyline with new landmarks. RISE will comprise three towers, including the Hofpleintoren, set to become the Netherlands’ tallest skyscraper at 286 metres. The Lumière building will reach a height of 155 metres.

These buildings will host a range of facilities beyond housing, including office spaces, retail, hospitality, and wellness centres. RISE will feature a health centre, while Lumière will offer spa and wellness facilities. Street-level spaces will accommodate dining and shopping, aiming to create an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Both projects will also incorporate green rooftop spaces, terraces, and a courtyard at Lumière, offering more communal areas in the city. Pedestrian-friendly routes are planned to enhance connectivity, linking Karel Doormanstraat and Doelwater through new, traffic-free pathways.

Long-term focus on sustainability

The development plans for Lumière and RISE include sustainability and quality-of-life initiatives. Noise-reduction measures and energy-efficient construction techniques are part of the design, with the aim of minimising the environmental impact and improving residents' well-being.

Project teams and community engagement

Lumière is being developed by Manhave and VORM in collaboration with KAAN Architecten, while RISE is led by RED Company in partnership with Powerhouse Company. Housing corporation Havensteder, which owns the Pompenburg-Doelstraat flats, plays a key role in the RISE project as the existing building will be demolished to make way for the new development.

The current residents of Pompenburg-Doelstraat will have the option to move into comparable housing in the new Coolsingel tower at the same rental rate. Councillor Zeegers highlighted that a comprehensive participatory process is underway to engage and support these residents throughout the transition.

The city council is expected to make a decision on the zoning plans for Lumière and RISE in January 2025.

ROTTERDAM, 7 November 2024 – A new sustainable development, EDGE Coolsingel, is under construction in central Rotterdam, aiming to integrate energy-efficient design with local architectural inspiration. Set to be the largest Net Zero Carbon office building of its kind in the city, the project continues Rotterdam’s legacy of forward-thinking urban development.

Edge returns to Rotterdam with EDGE Coolsingel project

Edge, a firm previously known for developments like the Maastoren, De Rotterdam, and Las Palmas, has announced the start of its latest project in Rotterdam: EDGE Coolsingel. Located at Coolsingel 75, this new building aims to bring together innovative sustainability features and architectural design inspired by Rotterdam’s urban landscape.

Sustainable architecture in the heart of the city

The EDGE Coolsingel building is situated directly across from Rotterdam’s City Hall and the historic post office, with proximity to Rotterdam Centraal station. Encompassing 21,500 square metres over 11 floors, the development includes 15,200 square metres of office space, 5,500 square metres of co-working facilities, and 800 square metres dedicated to hospitality.

Designed by Rotterdam-based architecture firm NUDUS, the building’s façade draws from the work of J.J.P. Oud, incorporating folds that interact with light, giving it a dynamic presence on Coolsingel. The design aims to merge workspaces and social areas, fostering a fluid interaction between business and community life.

EDGE Coolsingel to become Rotterdam’s largest Net Zero office

Focus on energy efficiency and local impact

EDGE Coolsingel is being constructed to stringent environmental standards, aiming for WELL Platinum and BREEAM Excellent certifications. A groundwater heat pump installation (WKO-installatie) and extensive solar panel integration will allow the building to predominantly use locally generated energy. This approach is projected to limit energy consumption to 25 kWh/m² per year, aligning with targets set by the Paris Climate Agreement.

Largest Net Zero Carbon office in Rotterdam

Upon completion, EDGE Coolsingel will hold the distinction of being the largest Net Zero Carbon office building in Rotterdam. Construction is currently underway, with the project slated for completion on 1 August 2026.

Location and accessibility

The EDGE Coolsingel project is located at Coolsingel 75, a prominent position in Rotterdam's city centre. The building stands opposite the City Hall and is easily accessible by foot from Rotterdam Centraal station, which is just a few minutes away. This central location also offers convenient tram and metro connections, making it a well-connected choice for professionals in the city.

ROTTERDAM, 3 October 2024 – Rotterdam's skyline is poised to reach new heights with the unveiling of the NICE Tower, the world's tallest circular wooden residential building. Introduced by the municipality as part of a sustainability initiative, this project is seen as a potential milestone for the future of urban construction in the city.

Rotterdam welcomes the world's tallest wooden residential tower

In a recent event at Maaspodium, NICE Developers celebrated their fifth anniversary by unveiling their most ambitious project to date—the NICE Tower. Rotterdam's Director of Urban Development, Jos Melchers, revealed the new structure to the public, marking a significant development in the city's drive toward sustainable urban planning. At a height of 140 metres, the NICE Tower is not only set to become a new landmark but also represents a significant step in circular construction practices.

From left to right: Jos Melchers, Director of Urban Development for the Municipality of Rotterdam, Robert Winkel and Mark Compeer, founders of NICE Developers, presenting the model of the NICE Tower, the world's tallest circular wooden residential building.

Paris Proof and CO2 reduction

With the Netherlands being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, efforts to reduce carbon emissions have been at the forefront of urban development projects. Traditional concrete and steel buildings contribute heavily to the global CO2 footprint. NICE Developers aim to address this through innovative use of timber in high-rise structures. The NICE Tower is designed entirely from wood, with no concrete used in its core structure, including the lift shaft and load-bearing framework.

This design reduces the carbon footprint by almost two-thirds compared to conventional concrete buildings. While traditional towers produce an average of 450 kg of CO2 per square metre, the NICE Tower aims to reduce this to 139 kg per square metre. As a result, the building is labelled “Paris Proof” for adhering to the strict CO2 emission guidelines set by the Paris Agreement.

The NICE Tower is designed entirely from wood, with no concrete used in its core structure, including the lift shaft and load-bearing framework.

Circular design for future adaptability

NICE Developers, founded by Mark Compeer and Robert Winkel, have positioned themselves as pioneers in sustainable urban development, having previously completed the 50-metre tall SAWA project in Rotterdam. The NICE Tower builds on these foundations by employing a fully circular design, ensuring that all components can be disassembled and reused. This approach extends the building’s life cycle and helps reduce construction waste.

The project also adopts the Open Building principle, which allows flexibility in the design of living and working spaces. By enabling future modifications, the tower can adapt to the changing needs of its residents, ensuring longevity.

Enhancing urban biodiversity

The sustainability of the NICE Tower goes beyond its construction materials. The building incorporates features designed to enhance biodiversity in the urban environment. Green terraces and plant boxes are scattered across the building's various levels, providing spaces for local plant life. Additionally, integrated bird and insect nesting boxes support the local ecosystem.

Social inclusion is also central to the project's ethos. The development will include a mix of rental and owner-occupied homes at various price points, ensuring affordability for essential workers such as teachers and healthcare professionals. Shared facilities, such as community spaces, mobility services, and urban gardens, are intended to foster social interaction and a sense of community among residents.

The future of wooden high-rise buildings

NICE Developers are proving that high-rise wooden buildings are not only feasible but also necessary for a sustainable future. As a city that has embraced innovative architecture, Rotterdam is an ideal location for such a project. While the specific location for the NICE Tower has yet to be confirmed, the possibility of it rising in Rotterdam seems strong, given the city's progressive stance on sustainable urban development. The question remains whether the city will secure this opportunity or if another municipality will take the lead.

Project partners

The NICE Tower is the product of collaboration between key figures in the field of sustainable construction. The design is led by Mei architects and planners, while Pieters Bouwtechniek is responsible for the structural engineering. Merosch, an expert in sustainable building practices, has played a crucial role in ensuring the project meets Paris Proof standards.

The NICE Tower's future location

While the final location of the NICE Tower is still under discussion, if it is constructed in Rotterdam, it will likely be situated in an area accessible by public transport and within the city's broader urban development zones. Rotterdam's well-connected transit network would make reaching the tower straightforward, with a variety of tram, bus, and metro routes servicing the area. More details on the exact location will be shared once confirmed.

ROTTERDAM, 2 October 2024 – A new train station is being planned for Rotterdam-West’s Van Nelleknoop area. The station is expected to boost housing, employment, and recreational spaces, transforming the region into a vibrant hub.

Discussions are underway to determine the station’s location, with plans to enhance connectivity to the Oude Lijn railway and improve accessibility to local neighbourhoods.

New Van Nelleknoop train station to boost development in Rotterdam-West

ProRail is currently assessing plans for a new train station in the Van Nelleknoop, a district located between Rotterdam-West and the Schie River. The station, which could be completed in approximately ten years, would connect Van Nelleknoop to the ‘Oude Lijn’ (Old Line), a key rail link between Rotterdam, Dordrecht, The Hague, and Leiden.

If approved, the train station is expected to become a focal point of the area, improving accessibility to neighbourhoods such as Spangen, Oud-Mathenesse, and Bospolder-Tussendijken. In addition, the project aims to create space for an estimated 2,000 new homes, alongside job opportunities, businesses, and public amenities.

New train station planned for Van Nelleknoop Rotterdam

Iconic landmarks shape the future Van Nelleknoop

The area is home to several of Rotterdam's key landmarks, including the Van Nelle Factory (Van Nellefabriek), Sparta Stadium, and Diergaarde Blijdorp. “These iconic sites give the area its identity, and we cherish them,” said Chantal Zeegers, Rotterdam's alderman for climate, housing, and building. “With the addition of a new station, homes, and public services, the area will gain even more significance.”

Currently, Van Nelleknoop consists of isolated ‘islands’ divided by roads, rail lines, and waterways. The new station aims to unite these segments, offering enhanced walking and cycling routes between neighbourhoods, green spaces, and public facilities. The council is also exploring ways to make tunnels and bridges more pedestrian-friendly to increase safety, Zeegers added.

Space for sport and recreation

Sport and recreation play a crucial role in the Van Nelleknoop, which hosts a range of facilities, including sports fields, community gardens, scouting groups, and a nature playground. Although some sports fields may need to relocate, the focus on sports will remain. According to Zeegers, the city is exploring how these spaces can be used more efficiently. “We are considering the double use of sports fields, where clubs use them in the evenings and weekends, while schools can use them during the day.”

The nature playground ‘De Speeldernis’ will retain its place in the new design. “As the largest nature playground and educational centre in the area, De Speeldernis will continue to play an important role in the community. Children can enjoy nature here year-round,” said Carolien Ruigrok, director of De Speeldernis.

Community engagement and feedback

The development will have an impact on current residents, particularly regarding concerns over green spaces and sports facilities. To address this, the city council has held extensive talks with local residents, representatives from nearby sports and recreational organisations, and key stakeholders, including the Van Nelle Factory, Diergaarde Blijdorp, and Natuurstad.

Based on this feedback, adjustments to the plan have been made, ensuring a focus on green spaces and improving accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians. Discussions also continue regarding the future of the local community gardens, which may be relocated within or outside the area.

Event location and accessibility

The Van Nelleknoop is located between the business district of Spaanse Polder-Zuid, the Vreelust sports complex, Roel Langerak Park, and the area surrounding Kanaalweg. The station’s future location will either be on the east or west side of the Schie River. A final decision on the station’s location is expected by the end of 2025.

In the meantime, residents and stakeholders are invited to share their thoughts on the plans at a city council meeting on 18 October. Those interested in participating can register via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Directions to Van Nelleknoop

Van Nelleknoop lies in Rotterdam-West, close to major landmarks such as the Van Nelle Factory and Roel Langerak Park. The area is accessible via the A20 motorway and is a short drive from Rotterdam city centre. Public transport links include tram services and nearby train stations. Once the new train station is completed, it will provide direct access to the area from the Oude Lijn.