ROTTERDAM, 27 September 2024 – The creation of a new Nelson Mandelapark in Rotterdam-Zuid has moved a step closer. The park, which will cover 7 hectares in the Maashaven, will offer a green space for residents to enjoy by 2028.

Plans for Nelson Mandelapark in Rotterdam-Zuid move forward

A new park is set to emerge in Rotterdam-Zuid, as the city plans to transform a section of the Maashaven into the Nelson Mandelapark. Covering an area of 7 hectares, equivalent to 10 football fields, the park will feature rolling hills, trees, and a public square near the Maassilo. The proposal to amend the zoning plan (bestemmingsplan) has now been submitted by the city council to the municipal government for approval, marking a significant step in the development of the park.

Councillor Tim Versnel, responsible for the National Programme Rotterdam South, expressed enthusiasm for the progress being made. "The proposed zoning plan is an important milestone. We are officially turning a part of the city’s harbour into a park. With this park, we are bringing great enjoyment to Rotterdam-Zuid."

Councillor Tim Versnel at the Maashaven water taxi stop, the future site of Nelson Mandelapark. Photo by: Bas Czerwinski

A diverse recreational space

The Nelson Mandelapark will be a versatile space with facilities for various activities. There will be areas for jogging, football, basketball, bootcamp, and skating, as well as multiple playgrounds for children. A promenade will allow visitors to observe tidal changes and interact with the unique environment that supports specific plants and animals accustomed to brackish water. The park will also contribute to the city’s biodiversity and provide a cooling effect during hot summers.

A hospitality pavilion is planned along the waterfront, offering views of passing ships and water taxis. The park will also be a venue for public events, particularly around the new square near the Maassilo. These features aim to enhance the quality of life for residents of Rotterdam-Zuid and offer a space to relax, socialise, and engage with nature.

Project timeline and community involvement

The project is currently in its preparation phase. The city has been gathering input from residents and stakeholders, with many of these suggestions being integrated into the final design. A preliminary design will be presented early next year, and sand will be deposited to level the Maashaven’s seabed in January. This will be followed by the infill process and the construction of a quay wall in the park’s western section. The landscape will be shaped in 2027, and the city aims to open the park to the public in 2028.

Zoning plan and next steps

The initial zoning plan was released for public consultation in late 2023. Local residents had the opportunity to provide feedback, which will be addressed by the city council when presenting the final plan to the municipal government. It is expected that the municipal government will approve the zoning plan later this year, allowing the project to proceed as planned.

Directions to Nelson Mandelapark

The Nelson Mandelapark will be located in Rotterdam-Zuid, within the Maashaven area. The park will be accessible from the Maashaven metro station, and the surrounding neighbourhood is well connected by bus and tram lines. Visitors will be able to reach the park via the A15 motorway or by cycling from the city centre along the waterfront.

ROTTERDAM, 5 September 2024 – Plans for a new tidal park in Rotterdam-Zuid have been approved, bringing natural landscapes and recreational spaces to the area. The park will showcase a dynamic ecosystem shaped by the tide of the Nieuwe Maas river.

Getijdenpark Feyenoord to revitalise Rotterdam-Zuid with nature and recreation

The Getijdenpark Feyenoord is set to transform the urban landscape of Rotterdam-Zuid by bringing nature back into the city. The park will combine natural and recreational spaces, with tidal dynamics as its central feature. Following the approval of the final design for Phase 1 by the Rotterdam municipal council, construction of this new natural area will commence at the end of this year. The park is expected to serve both recreational and ecological purposes and will play a crucial role in the ongoing efforts to green Rotterdam-Zuid, contributing to a healthier and more resilient urban environment.

Natural dynamics and urban development

The Getijdenpark Feyenoord is more than just a park; it is envisioned as a living ecosystem that leverages the ebb and flow of the Nieuwe Maas river. The tidal movements create a changing landscape, where fresh and saltwater meet, attracting unique flora and fauna, including migratory fish and spoonbills, which are emblematic of the delta's rich biodiversity.

The park is aligned with the development of 'Rotterdams Tij,' the former location planned for a new stadium. The proposed breakwaters for residential construction overlap midway along the Piet Smitkade, providing space for a landing site for water taxis and ferries. A footbridge will connect visitors to the harbour, allowing them to explore the diverse landscapes the park offers, ranging from tranquil natural areas to lively urban zones.

Recreational opportunities for all

Getijdenpark Feyenoord is designed to offer a wide range of recreational activities. According to Alderman Maarten Struijvenberg, responsible for Finance and Major Projects: “Visitors will be able to walk, cycle, canoe, and fish in the park. While a city beach is not feasible due to tidal differences, the possibility of open-water swimming is being explored.” A new 400-metre boardwalk along the riverbank and an additional bridge will enhance access to the area. The long, gentle tidal shores behind the breakwaters will provide a natural buffer and create a varied landscape that changes with every tide.

Phasing and planning

The project will be carried out in two phases. Phase 1 is scheduled to begin later this year and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, followed by Phase 2. The park is being funded through national and municipal subsidies. Its construction will proceed in tandem with the development of the new residential district, Rotterdams Tij, which will include 4,750 homes, businesses, and community facilities.

A green future for Rotterdam-Zuid

With the creation of Getijdenpark Feyenoord, Rotterdam is taking a significant step towards becoming a more sustainable and greener city. The park will connect the city to nature and provide residents of densely populated neighbourhoods such as Hillesluis, Feyenoord, and Parkstad with direct access to a natural environment. Alderman Struijvenberg commented: “This project demonstrates Rotterdam's ambition to balance urban growth with nature conservation. I am excited about the opportunities this park will offer for residents, visitors, and the natural world alike.”

ROTTERDAM, 17 September 2024 – Rotterdam’s SAWA building has reached its highest point with a notable addition: a specially designed falcon nest box, marking the building's unique ecological contribution. The 50-metre wooden structure is celebrated for its sustainable and nature-inclusive design.

SAWA, a pioneering circular wooden residential building in Rotterdam, has reached its highest point. The milestone was symbolically marked by the installation of a specially designed peregrine falcon nest box on the rooftop. The building, which stands at 50 metres, is noted for its innovative and sustainable construction methods.

Construction officially commenced earlier this year, following the wood-building phase's inauguration by Rotterdam alderwoman Chantal Zeegers. In just 26 weeks, the construction teams from ERA Contour and Derix Group completed the structure’s full height. Building with wood at this scale posed unique challenges, but through collaboration and expertise, the team achieved this key step.

A landmark in sustainable construction

SAWA’s circular wooden construction sets it apart in Rotterdam’s evolving architectural landscape. Positioned in the heart of the city, the building represents more than just residential space. The use of wood, a renewable resource that absorbs rather than emits CO2, aligns with the goals set in the Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2050.

According to Maries Jumelet of ERA Contour, this construction project is particularly significant: “Building a 50-metre wooden structure in such a short period presents structural challenges, but reaching this milestone is a major achievement in sustainable construction. With the falcon ‘penthouse,’ SAWA offers a home not only for people but also for nature.”

SAWA Rotterdam. Photo credit: Ossip

Enhancing urban biodiversity

SAWA’s nature-inclusive design features 700 metres of plant containers and over 3,000 site-specific plants from 19 different species. Furthermore, 140 bird nest boxes, including one specifically designed for a peregrine falcon, are integrated into the building’s façade. This approach enhances urban biodiversity, connecting with the surrounding ecological systems.

Bureau Stadsnatuur’s ecologist Niels de Zwarte, involved in the project, explains that SAWA is a valuable asset to the area's biodiversity: “In the largely stone-built Lloydkwartier, SAWA creates essential habitats for birds, butterflies, and bees, contributing to the local environment.”

Sustainable building design with integrated biodiversity features including green balconies, sparrow towers, and biodiversity roofs for bird and bat species – SAWA project by Mei architects and planners

Falcon nest box: A new home for Rotterdam’s birds of prey

Rotterdam has become a popular habitat for peregrine falcons. According to Bureau Stadsnatuur, these birds prefer to nest on tall buildings, providing them with a clear vantage point to hunt their prey. SAWA’s location by the Maas River offers an ideal environment, as the falcon feeds not only on city pigeons but also on birds following the river. Currently, nine pairs of peregrine falcons reside in Rotterdam, and it remains to be seen when a tenth pair will occupy the nest atop SAWA.

Completion of SAWA draws near

As SAWA’s construction reaches its peak, the building’s completion is now in sight. The structure will include 50 mid-market rental flats, 20 private-sector rental homes, and 39 owner-occupied apartments. The first residential units are expected to be delivered by mid-2025. A ground-floor space will accommodate a hospitality venue and a community facility, with a search for an operator underway.

Directions to SAWA

SAWA is located in the Lloydkwartier, an area known for its mix of modern residential developments and proximity to the Maas River. The neighbourhood is well-served by public transport, including tram lines and nearby metro stations, making it accessible from the city centre. The area is also a short walk from Rotterdam’s iconic waterfront.

Partners involved

SAWA is being developed by NICE Developers and TBI enterprise ERA Contour, which is also responsible for the building's construction. The wooden elements are supplied and assembled by Derix Group, with Mei architects and planners overseeing the architectural design. Focus on Impact acts as the investor for the rental properties.

ROTTERDAM, 2 September 2024 – The International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) and Vogelbescherming Nederland are focusing on promoting biodiversity in the city through architectural design. A new initiative aims to highlight the ways in which nature and urban planning can coexist for the benefit of all city residents, human and avian alike.

Architectural biennale highlights urban biodiversity

This year, the eleventh edition of the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR) features the theme “Nature of Hope,” which explores how architecture can contribute to restoring ecological balance by incorporating biodiversity and nature into design principles. The event, which began on 29 June and runs until 13 October, includes a range of activities such as an exhibition at the Nieuwe Instituut, “Botanical Monuments” located throughout Rotterdam, and an extensive public programme.

Vogelbescherming Nederland, a prominent Dutch organisation dedicated to the protection of wild birds and their habitats, is contributing to this year's programming. According to Merel Roks of Vogelbescherming Nederland, “there are many opportunities for nature and biodiversity within built-up areas. Designing with nature in mind creates added value for the city's various inhabitants, both people and animals.”

Heron in Essenburgpark. Credit: Sabine van der Vooren via IABR

Event to discuss integrating nature into urban design

On 18 September, a joint knowledge session will be held by Vogelbescherming and IABR. The session will bring together professionals from various fields to discuss how nature can be integrated into architecture to create a more sustainable future for humans and wildlife. Experts from different disciplines, including architects, landscape architects, ecologists, and conservationists, will explore opportunities for promoting biodiversity in urban environments, highlighting bio-based construction, and sharing knowledge to improve living conditions for birds in city areas.

New bird route to explore Rotterdam’s unique habitats

Starting from 18 September, Vogelbescherming and IABR, in collaboration with Bureau Stadsnatuur, will launch a “Bird Route” (Vogelroute), which participants can walk or cycle using a mobile app. The route will guide visitors through interesting bird habitats that are unique to Rotterdam, offering a special experience of urban nature. The app will provide insights into how birds navigate the city and its architecture, what makes certain locations appealing to them, and how urban planning can better accommodate their needs.

Roks further explained the significance of these topics during the IABR: “Decisions regarding the design of a city can have a significant impact on birds and biodiversity. By designing and organising spaces that include nature, we create a sustainable, healthy city that is better equipped to face challenges such as climate change.”

The event on 18 September will be held at the auditorium of the Nieuwe Instituut, located at Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam. The language of the session will be Dutch. Tickets are priced at €4, and the cost includes a drink. For more information on the importance of nature-inclusive design and to purchase tickets, visit stager.co.

Hiker in Essenburgpark. Credit: Sabine van der Vooren via IABR

About the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam (IABR)

The IABR promotes design-based research within architecture, landscape, and urban planning disciplines. Every two years, the biennale presents an extensive cultural programme that celebrates the imaginative power of architecture in addressing the humanitarian, spatial, economic, and societal impacts of a changing climate.

About Vogelbescherming Nederland

Vogelbescherming Nederland is an independent national nature conservation organisation, actively supported by more than 160,000 members, companies, funds, and institutions. The organisation, which was founded in 1899, is the Dutch partner of BirdLife International, working to protect wild birds and their habitats worldwide.

Event location and directions

The 18 September event will be held at the Nieuwe Instituut auditorium, located at Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam. This area is in the heart of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport or bicycle. The venue is a short walk from the Museumpark tram stop and is close to several other cultural institutions, making it a convenient and central location for visitors.