Rotterdam in development

55 R O T T E R D A M I N D E V E L O P M E N T | 2 0 1 8 remaining 1,200 homes. Henk Rotgans: “We want to really improve these homes by bringing the insulation up to modern standards and giving them double glazing and mechanical ventilation.” To carry out this major operation, Havensteder has signed a covenant with the central government: the landlord charge, the tax every corporation must pay the government to rent out homes, has been reduced. “On condition that we invest that saving in further improvements to Vreewijk, which means that we are keeping a close eye on the ratio of price to quality,” says Henk Rotgans. André Köster: “That means we can really add something to the quality of Vreewijk’s image, which will give the neighbourhood an enormous boost.” But the covenant also imposes a time constraint: the plans for the makeover of all remaining homes must be ready by 2019, and fully implemented within five years. The operation is already under way. On the Wolvepad and Vossepad, the first homes are being renovated in this way. CONSTANT FLOW To bring this comprehensive programme of improvements to a good conclusion, a special team from both organisations have applied themselves fully to the challenge. “The team is constantly in flow,” says Henk Rotgans. “We are always looking at what work can be carried out in the home while the residents are still there. With major activities such as floors, bathrooms or showers, the residents can be moved temporarily to other accommodation. The tenant is the decisive factor in everything we do.” All activities are planned and monitored by a steering group which also includes representatives from the residents’ association. “We work together in that group,” says Henk Rotgans. “We can get together to think about the right decisions for the process. The lines of communication are shorter at every level, because it is such an intensive process.” André Köster: “The work demands that you are constantly on the edge of your seat. The intensity is increasing, the pace is increasing, the residents are looking over our shoulders. If only for that reason, we are using our very best people. What’s more, no one home is the same as another one, so we also have to pay attention to details while we’re carrying out the work. You don’t often experience such a large and extraordinary project in such a fantastic location in the city.” Henk Rotgans, Development and Maintenance Director at Havensteder (left) and André Köster, Divisional Manager Dura Vermeer