ROTTERDAM, 11 April 2025 – A former sports hall in Rozenburg is making way for new housing aimed at older residents. The redevelopment forms part of a broader effort to revitalise Rotterdam's smaller urban districts.

Rozenburg site to be redeveloped for senior housing

The demolition of the former De Rozet sports hall in Rozenburg has officially begun. The project is part of a wider urban development plan intended to improve the liveability of Rotterdam’s harbour village districts (havendorpen), particularly for ageing residents.

Wethouder Robert Simons (Kleine Kernen) initiated the demolition at the site on Laan van Nieuw Blankenburg. The decision follows years of discussion between the municipality and the local village council. The cleared area will be repurposed into a residential development, marking the start of a new phase for the neighbourhood.

Plans for 40 to 60 new apartments

The municipality plans to construct between 40 and 60 apartments on the site, with an even split between the social and mid-market rental segments. These homes are primarily intended for senior residents of Rozenburg. The project aims to provide more suitable housing options for the area’s ageing population.

“The demolition of De Rozet is the beginning of a new chapter, where we create space for affordable housing, specifically for our elderly residents,” said wethouder Robert Simons. “This contributes to the vitality and appeal of our harbour village. I am pleased we can realise this project in cooperation with the village council.”

Years of delay due to planning and environmental concerns

The decision to demolish De Rozet was shaped by a motion titled Maak werk van De Rozet, put forward by councillors Joey de Waard (Leefbaar Rotterdam) and Ardi Oostdijk (FVD). Environmental assessments, including research into bat populations, caused earlier delays. With those issues resolved, the site is now being cleared.

The redevelopment is part of the ten-year Programma Kleine Kernen, which focuses on strengthening the identity and attractiveness of Rotterdam’s four smaller urban centres: Hoek van Holland, Rozenburg, Pernis and Heijplaat.

Location and directions

The development site is located at Laan van Nieuw Blankenburg in Rozenburg. The area lies near the village centre and is accessible via local public transport or by car. The surrounding neighbourhood features a mix of residential and industrial zones, with several green spaces nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 25 March 2025 – With the electricity grid nearing its limits, Rotterdam is accelerating collaboration and innovation to ensure key developments can continue.

Grid pressure prompts proactive city response

Following the December announcement that South Holland’s electricity grid has reached full capacity—Rotterdam included, with the exception of the Maasvlakte—the city has moved swiftly to address the impact on development.

Large consumers of electricity, such as schools, supermarkets and companies, are currently unable to obtain new or upgraded connections. However, existing contracts remain in place and are being optimised where possible.

Rather than allowing this to hinder growth, the municipality is working closely with grid operators TenneT and Stedin, as well as developers and business leaders, to minimise delays and find workable interim solutions.

Housing, schools and business still moving forward

The city has mapped out potential delays in housing and commercial projects. In 2025, eleven mixed-use developments could be impacted by temporary grid limitations. However, efforts are underway to keep these projects on track—particularly when it comes to essential services like lifts, ventilation and lighting in new apartment buildings.

Educational institutions and other public services also face delays, but are being prioritised where possible. A joint search for solutions—such as temporary setups and shared connections—is ongoing with Stedin.

The city is also supporting continuity in existing business areas and making strategic choices in the allocation of resources, enabling Rotterdam to remain attractive to new and existing enterprises.

Capacity expansion underway

Network expansions are already in development. TenneT expects additional capacity in Hoek van Holland, Rozenburg, Pernis and the port area between 2027 and 2029. For the wider city, new infrastructure is expected between 2032 and 2035.

In the meantime, Alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Building and Housing) reaffirmed the city’s commitment: “Grid congestion is no excuse to pause. We are actively working with all partners to find what is still possible—through innovation, smarter planning and faster infrastructure development.”

Smart planning and energy innovation

The municipality is aligning grid upgrades with other infrastructure works to reduce delays. Discussions with Stedin are exploring how critical services—such as lifts in housing blocks—can be prioritised even within current limitations.

A range of innovations is being promoted. The city is co-financing so-called Flex Scans, which help companies use their existing electricity connections more efficiently. Up to 80% of costs are reimbursed, encouraging broader participation.

Through the Smart Energy Systems subsidy programme, entrepreneurs are also being encouraged to develop tailored solutions. Examples include energy-sharing hubs in Schiebroek and improved energy efficiency in the port area.

Supporting businesses and developments

The city is inviting companies and developers to explore creative approaches within their existing grid contracts—such as energy sharing, local storage and flexible use.

Advice, subsidies and practical support are available through the municipality, and early conversations with Stedin are strongly encouraged.

All current measures and future plans are outlined in the “Rotterdamse Aanpak Netcongestie” (Rotterdam Net Congestion Approach), which is updated every two years to reflect the latest developments.

ROTTERDAM, 26 March 2025 – The transformation of Rijnhaven into a green and accessible city district has advanced, as Rotterdam’s municipal executive approved several key designs this week for both land-based and floating parks.

Plans approved for Rijnhaven land and floating parks

On 25 March, Rotterdam’s municipal executive (College van B&W) approved final and preliminary designs for new public parks in the Rijnhaven area. The decision marks a significant step in turning the former harbour basin into a mixed green space, with both terrestrial and floating components.

Land-based Rijnhavenpark to open in 2028

The final design for the land-based Rijnhavenpark has been completed. This future public park is intended to serve as a multifunctional space for relaxation, sports, play and cultural events. The green zone will play a role in combating heat stress, supporting mental well-being, and improving biodiversity in an increasingly dense cityscape.

Construction will commence once infill and ground consolidation work in the harbour has been completed, which is expected by mid-2027. The first phase of the park, including walking paths and a small beach, is scheduled to open to the public in 2028. Landscaping and planting will follow in 2029, after the soil has matured.

Expansion of Wilhelminapier floating park

Since summer 2022, a section of the floating park has been in use near Wilhelminapier, adjacent to the Floating Office Rotterdam. A preliminary design has now been drafted for its extension, which will span 300 metres and reach the Nieuwe Luxor Theatre.

Further development is planned for this year, with the final design expected by mid-2026. Construction is scheduled to begin before the end of that year, with completion aimed for late 2027.

Katendrecht floating park to be shaped with public input

On the opposite bank in Katendrecht, a floating park with a distinct character is being planned. Initial sketches have been prepared, and local residents are being invited to participate in shaping its layout and use.

In June, the municipality will host walk-in sessions at the “Rijnhavenkeet” to collect ideas from the public for the park’s programme of requirements (Programma van Eisen). The aim is to finalise the preliminary design by the end of 2025.

Chantal Zeegers, alderman for Climate, Construction and Housing, stated:
“The floating parks at Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht reflect what Rotterdam stands for: courage, innovation and collaboration. We are literally making space on the water for greenery and recreation — and we are doing it together with residents.”

The floating parks will offer opportunities for recreation in and around the water, surrounded by vegetation placed on pontoons and floating structures. Access points will also be included for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).

Location and directions

Rijnhaven is situated between the Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht neighbourhoods in Rotterdam South. The area is easily accessible via metro station Rijnhaven (line D and E), tram lines 20, 23 and 25, as well as by bicycle and on foot. The site is located near cultural landmarks such as the Nieuwe Luxor Theatre and the Fenix Food Factory.

ROTTERDAM, 18 March 2025 – SAWA, Rotterdam's pioneering wooden residential building, has successfully allocated its middle-income apartments, prioritising key workers and enhancing urban sustainability.

Introducing SAWA: Rotterdam's wooden residential landmark

SAWA stands as Rotterdam's first fully wooden residential building, reaching 50 metres in height. Located in the Lloydkwartier district, a neighbourhood with a rich maritime history, SAWA's design incorporates generous green terraces, referencing Eastern rice fields and contributing to urban biodiversity. The building comprises 109 apartments, with a mix of owner-occupied and rental units, including 50 designated for middle-income tenants.

Middle-income housing in SAWA allocated to key workers

The allocation process for 50 middle-income apartments in SAWA has been completed. A significant portion of these homes has been designated for individuals working in social professions and those transitioning from social housing.

Out of the 50 apartments, 43 were allocated to individuals who met one or more priority criteria designed to support social inclusiveness. The project aligns with Rotterdam's broader housing objectives by combining homeownership opportunities, sustainable timber construction, and community-focused living spaces.

The allocation figures reveal that:

• 28% of the homes were given to individuals working in education.
• 25% were allocated to healthcare workers.
• 8% were assigned to police officers.

In addition, 15 tenants are moving out of social housing managed by housing associations, opening those properties for new residents in need of affordable housing.

Social and sustainable impact

The SAWA development reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable urban planning. Chantal Zeegers, Rotterdam’s Alderman for Building, Housing, and Climate, praised the project:

“With SAWA, we demonstrate that affordable housing and sustainability can go hand in hand. Thanks to priority rules, key workers can continue living in Rotterdam close to their workplaces and communities. This project also supports mobility within the social housing sector, which helps us make a tangible impact on the city.”

SAWA’s development aligns with Rotterdam’s Middle-Income Housing Action Plan (Actieplan Middenhuur), aimed at providing affordable housing for middle-income earners, ensuring they can remain in the city.

Developer's vision

Mark Compeer, co-founder of NICE Developers, commented on the project:

“This is precisely why we developed SAWA. With these priority rules, we contribute to a fairer housing market and prove that affordable homes can be built even in Rotterdam’s most sustainable building. We are thrilled that so many key workers for the city have found a home here.”

Collaboration and execution

The rental process was handled by NICE Developers on behalf of Focus on Impact in collaboration with Schep Vastgoedmanagers. Further cooperation with housing associations Havensteder and Woonbron helped increase the project's impact.

Address and directions

SAWA is located in Rotterdam’s Lloydkwartier, a developing area known for its blend of modern architecture and proximity to the river Maas.