ROTTERDAM, 13 May 2025 – Lara Sari has been named Rotterdam Creative Talent of the Year 2025. The award marks the opening of a week dedicated to showcasing the city’s creative sector.

Creative Talent Award 2025 goes to Lara Sari

The Creative Talent Award 2025 was presented during a final event at LantarenVenster on 12 May. The prize, initiated by the Municipality of Rotterdam and the organisers of Agency at Night, aims to highlight emerging creative professionals in the city. Lara Sari (23) received the title of Rotterdam Creative Talent of the Year following her presentation, which impressed both jury members and attendees.

The jury praised Sari for her distinctive creative style and clear artistic voice. In response to her win, she remarked: “I am extremely proud to receive this award. Rotterdam is full of diverse, young creative talent. Let’s not only show them but also offer real opportunities in the field.”

The final saw five candidates present their work to a full audience of jury members, agency heads and fellow creatives. According to Jeroen Wolfs, organiser of Agency at Night, “What struck us most was the energy and authenticity these young creators brought to the stage. That is exactly why we host events like the Creative Talent Award and Agency at Night — to spotlight talent and connect them with the industry.”

Rotterdam creatives prepare for Agency at Night

The announcement also marked the beginning of a week celebrating the city’s creative economy, with the second edition of Agency at Night scheduled for Friday, 16 May. During this event, 51 creative agencies across the city will open their doors to the public. The initiative offers a behind-the-scenes look at the city’s creative sector, from established firms such as DEPT, Fabrique, Somention and ARA, to newer names like iO, RedKiwi and Dapper.

This year's programme includes over 250 activities, ranging from talks and workshops to studio tours and interactive sessions. Participants can create their own itinerary, choosing the experiences most relevant to them.

“Yesterday I truly enjoyed seeing the talent on stage,” said Robert Tans, Head of Economic Affairs for the Municipality of Rotterdam. “It’s inspiring to witness how much creativity this city has to offer. I am very much looking forward to seeing that fully reflected on Friday during Agency at Night — an evening that will showcase the depth and energy of Rotterdam’s creative sector.”

ROTTERDAM, 6 May 2025 – A total of 26 innovative local projects will receive financial backing through the municipality’s CityLab010 initiative. With a combined starting budget of €1 million, these plans will address a range of social, environmental and economic challenges in Rotterdam.

CityLab010 grants €1 million to 26 local projects

The municipality of Rotterdam has announced the 26 selected initiatives for the 2024 edition of CityLab010, a civic support programme designed to boost grassroots innovation. From a pool of 137 submissions, these projects were chosen by the City Jury (Stadsjury) for their potential to improve life in the city. One wildcard was also granted.

According to alderman Robert Simons, who holds the portfolio for port, economy, hospitality and governance, “Rotterdam is full of talent and good ideas. With CityLab010 we give these initiatives a push in the right direction. I hope others will feel encouraged to take action as well.”

Presentation event on 22 May at OASE

The selected participants will present their plans during a public event on 22 May at OASE Rotterdam. The evening will include pitches from the 26 plan-makers and is open to the public. Alderman Simons, the City Jury and partner organisations of CityLab010 will be in attendance.

A diverse range of urban initiatives

The 2024 cohort includes a broad spectrum of themes, often linked to social or environmental innovation. Highlights include:

• Benyos WasteCrab: A robotic device designed to collect litter from public areas where manual labour is currently required.

• De Speelfabriek: A workshop in Rotterdam-Zuid introducing children aged 5–12 to technical skills through play, regardless of background or language ability.

• Rainwalks: A creative project using rain-activated paint to reveal walking routes only visible when wet, encouraging physical activity even during bad weather.

Other selected initiatives target issues such as circular design, youth unemployment, climate adaptation, and social cohesion. Each project receives a starting budget of up to €50,000. The full jury report can be downloaded here.

About CityLab010

CityLab010 is a municipal support programme that has funded hundreds of initiatives since its launch in 2015. It provides not only seed funding but also access to municipal expertise, coaching, and networks. This year’s jury included 12 local professionals from various sectors, and the programme collaborates with seven partner organisations such as Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rabobank.

The initiative’s focus remains on enhancing sustainability, social resilience and local entrepreneurship throughout the city. Past successful examples include BLEND in Bloemhof—a social enterprise combining a coffee bar, salon and clothing shop—and WEAR, a sneaker refurbishment concept in Rotterdam-Zuid.

Event location: OASE Rotterdam

The CityLab010 presentation evening will take place at OASE, an event space located along the Westzeedijk near the Erasmus MC. The area is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle or on foot from the city centre. The venue regularly hosts community-focused events and sustainability programmes.

ROTTERDAM, 14 February 2025 – A new Hoogvliet supermarket is set to open on Beijerlandselaan in Rotterdam-Zuid on 20 February. The opening event includes giveaways, discounts, and activities for customers.

Hoogvliet opens new supermarket in Rotterdam-Zuid

On Thursday, 20 February, supermarket chain Hoogvliet will open a new location on Beijerlandselaan in Rotterdam-Zuid. The store is located beneath the Mediamarkt and will introduce local shoppers to its range of groceries and in-store bakery products.

The grand opening will feature various activities, including a promotional event starting at 07:30 outside the store. Visitors can enjoy free coffee, tea, and treats from a food truck. A promotional team will distribute raffle tickets, giving early shoppers a chance to win prizes such as a Philips television worth €999 or a one-minute free shopping spree. Additionally, for the first two weeks after the opening, customers who spend at least €10 will receive a free product, with a daily limit of 250 items available on a first-come, first-served basis.

On 22 February, shoppers spending at least €10 will have the opportunity to participate in the “Spotgoedkoopjes” safe-cracking challenge, where they can win a free product.

Focus on convenience and affordability

Hoogvliet aims to provide an accessible and affordable shopping experience. The supermarket is designed to help customers quickly find fresh produce, with the fruit and vegetable section prominently placed at the entrance. The in-house bakery, Warme Bakker Leen, will offer freshly baked bread, rolls, and snacks throughout the day.

Store manager Silvano Wolf looks forward to welcoming customers. “Hoogvliet is a new name in this neighbourhood, but I am sure people will quickly embrace us. We offer a unique combination of low prices, quality products, and great service. My team and I are excited to get started!”

Discounts and savings opportunities

The supermarket will feature consistently low prices, with over 1,000 “Spotgoedkoopjes” (special discounted products) and more than 100 new weekly promotions. Hoogvliet's advertised discounts run from Wednesday to Tuesday, which may be a new shopping habit for customers in the area.

Saving with the ‘Hoogvliet Tientje’

From the day of the opening, customers can start collecting savings stamps through the “Hoogvliet Tientje” programme. For every €10 spent, shoppers will receive a stamp. A full savings card with 25 stamps grants a €10 discount, while saving four full cards results in a €50 discount. Stamps will be distributed until Tuesday, 15 April 2025.

Location and directions

The new Hoogvliet supermarket is located on Beijerlandselaan, beneath the Mediamarkt. The Beijerlandselaan is a busy shopping street in Rotterdam-Zuid, known for its mix of retail stores and local businesses. It is easily accessible by tram and bus, with stops nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 16 January 2025 – Two new companies have signed long-term lease agreements for office space at WTC Rotterdam, located in the heart of the city. Both organisations are set to occupy the eighth floor of the High Rise.

New tenants at WTC Rotterdam

World Trade Center (WTC) Rotterdam has finalised long-term leases for 1,034 m² of office space with two new tenants: Vijverberg Projectmanagement B.V. and ERM Nederland B.V. The leases were secured for offices on the eighth floor of the High Rise, a notable part of the historic building.

Vijverberg Projectmanagement specialises in managing complex construction and infrastructure projects, while ERM Nederland is an international consultancy firm focusing on environmental, social, and sustainability issues. Both organisations have cited the building’s modern amenities and sustainable design as key reasons for their choice.

A focus on sustainability and amenities

WTC Rotterdam, a monumental structure featuring an energy efficiency label of A++, offers tenants an array of services, including a gym, restaurants, hotel accommodations, and conference facilities. The building is part of the bustling Central Business District and is recognised as a Dutch national monument (Rijksmonument).

Eveline Kolk, Managing Director of WTC Rotterdam, remarked on the new leases: “Both companies share a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, values that align closely with our mission at WTC Rotterdam. The High Rise provides a stunning view of the city, and we are proud to welcome these two organisations to our building.”

Partnerships facilitating the leases

The lease agreement for ERM Nederland was facilitated by CBRE, serving as the tenant’s real estate advisor, while Cushman & Wakefield and JLL acted on behalf of Bouwinvest Office Fund. The agreement with Vijverberg Projectmanagement was similarly arranged, with JLL and Cushman & Wakefield collaborating.

About WTC Rotterdam

Owned by Bouwinvest since 2015, WTC Rotterdam spans a total floor area of 82,000 m² and houses approximately 100 tenants. Its facilities include a Postillion Hotel with 168 rooms, flexible workspace options at the Business Center, a brasserie, and an art gallery. The building is undergoing extensive renovations to enhance its appeal and sustainability, aligning with Bouwinvest’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards.

How to get to WTC Rotterdam

Situated in the heart of Rotterdam’s Central Business District, WTC Rotterdam is well-connected via public transport, with Rotterdam Centraal Station just a short walk away. The area offers ample parking options and is surrounded by shops, cafes, and other amenities.