ROTTERDAM, 12 December 2025 – Rotterdam’s executive board has approved the urban design plan for Waterkant, a proposed new district on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas. The plan is now being sent to the city council, while the draft environmental plan is being opened for public inspection.
Waterkant is planned as part of the wider Rotterdams Tij area development, in the stretch between Feijenoord, Parkstad-Afrikaanderwijk, Hillesluis and De Veranda. The neighbourhood is set to be built on a former business site along the river, with new public space on the waterfront, including an embankment park and a tidal landscape aimed towards the Eiland van Brienenoord.
What is included in the plan
According to the plan approved on 9 December, Waterkant would include around 3,740 homes, alongside up to 70,000 square metres of social and commercial facilities. The programme described for the area includes space for services such as care and sport, as well as hospitality and local business uses.
The proposal also focuses on new routes and squares intended to reduce physical barriers between nearby districts. Links to public transport hubs and a future city bridge are presented as key connections, aimed at improving how Rotterdam Zuid relates to the city centre and Rotterdam Noord.
Artist’s impression: Waterkant square and access route
Green space, building approach and participation
A continuous green structure is described from Hillesluis towards the Eiland van Brienenoord, designed to connect the district to the river landscape. Parking is planned largely underground, with more space at street level for walking, meeting and outdoor activity, and the plan notes an intention to encourage timber construction to limit CO₂ emissions.
The municipality says the plan was developed together with StiGaM, the foundation responsible for the Rotterdams Tij development, as well as design partners EFFEKT, OMA and landscape architect LOLA. Residents, entrepreneurs and future users were involved through sessions and consultations, with the result positioned as aligned with the goals of the Nationaal Programma Rotterdam Zuid.
What happens next
The plan is being presented to the city council for decision-making. In parallel, the environmental plan (omgevingsplan) is scheduled to be available for inspection from 19 December 2025 until 30 January 2026 via the municipality’s website.
An information meeting is expected to take place in January, with the date to be announced.
