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.
