ROTTERDAM, 30 September 2025 – A full year of events will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Het Industriegebouw’s revival, with the rijksmonument opening its doors wider to the city. Once a post-war office block, the building has become a community of more than 200 companies, shops and eateries.
Image: Het Industriegebouw. Photo credit: Ossip van Duivenbode
Ten years of transformation
Het Industriegebouw (HIG), built in 1952 as part of Rotterdam’s post-war reconstruction, stood largely vacant a decade ago. In 2015 it was given new direction when a group of investors and directors decided to restore the building and attract a mix of tenants. Since then, HIG has developed into a hub where designers, architects, marketers and makers work alongside cafés, shops and restaurants.
Directors Eva Sharo and Desiree van den Wittenboer have overseen the shift from an office block to what they describe as a curated community. “You can fill a building with tenants, but we deliberately choose a diverse and lively mix. That dynamic spills over into the city as well,” says Desiree.
Het Industriegebouw directors Eva Sharo and Desiree van den Wittenboer
From restoration to curation
When HIG changed hands in 2015, around 80 per cent of its space was empty. The new owners chose not only to restore the monument but also to rethink how it could function. Light and openness were brought back, original details were preserved, and at the same time a new philosophy was introduced: no anonymous leases, but carefully selected businesses that would complement one another.
That principle still defines the building today. The directors also continue to encourage contact between tenants once they move in. “A diverse composition is the foundation,” says Desiree. Eva adds: “Actually, we ourselves are a mini-version of the community – two different backgrounds, one shared vision.”
A place you never need to leave
Today HIG hosts over two hundred companies, five hospitality venues and several shops. Among the better known are By Jarmusch, Old Scuola and Restaurant Héroine. Soon, a new branch of burger bar Stooges will join them. Many tenants expand their presence over time – moving from a single desk to an entire floor – and partnerships are often formed between neighbours.
The directors explain that their motto is “practice what you preach”. When services are needed, they first look inside the building itself, from design and SEO to catering and maintenance. That policy, they argue, has helped build trust and strengthened collaboration within the walls.
Het Industriegebouw, Rotterdam, in 1952.
Het Industriegebouw, Rotterdam, in 1952.
Looking ahead to 2027
With the ten-year milestone reached, the focus now turns to the future. In 2027 the building will mark its 75th anniversary, and programming is already being planned. The ground floor will see new hospitality concepts, while cultural events such as talks, markets and film evenings are set to bring more of the public inside.
The mix of tenants is also expected to evolve. While creative businesses remain central, there is room for companies working in technology, sustainability and artificial intelligence. “We want future-proof companies that match the energy of Rotterdam,” says Desiree. “And yes, we secretly dream of a second building where we can apply the same mentality.”
Location and directions
Het Industriegebouw sits on Goudsesingel, a short walk from the Meent and Binnenrotte, with Blaak and Oostplein the nearest metro stops. Trams and buses run along Goudsesingel; bike parking is available on surrounding streets. Drivers will find paid parking in nearby garages such as Markthal and Kiphof.
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