Rotterdam in development

R O T T E R D A M I N O N T W I K K E L I N G | 2 0 1 8 swimming pool and which leads, like a red carpet, to the Ahoyplein. PUBLIC-PRIVATE Ballast Nedam-Heijmans are taking on this huge challenge in a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Municipality of Rotterdam. The consequences of this, according to Erkel, include the provision by Ballast Nedam-Heijmans of public functions that would normally be the municipality’s responsibility. These include in particular the renovation of the public spaces and of the bus and metro station, including all the associated traffic adjustments. The private partner has even drawn up the development plan, the urban planning projection and a traffic plan, on the understanding that the city council has the final say. Finally, even the maintenance of the planning area will be carried out by the development and construction consortium until 2034. AT THE TABLE Placemaking in Hart van Zuid is focused on a versatile approach to the programming, design and management of a 60-hectare area, says Erkel. This is how the project team aims to increase the utility value of the public spaces. To achieve this, they are collaborating with actors including the municipality, Zuidplein shopping centre, Ahoy, RET, residents and other parties. “This collaboration unavoidably has its ups and downs,” says Van de Braak. “It’s a big group around the table, and you have to coordinate well. Every part of the plan has to be linked to the right municipal department.” Erkel adds: “The collaboration with the municipality is about using each other’s strengths: they have the knowledge, and we can adapt quickly.” HUNDREDS OF JOBS A plan as complex as this involves several significant physical interventions and thousands of other considerations, both large and small. “In the end, it’s about people,” says Van de Braak. Erkel agrees: “The starting point for placemaking in Rotterdam South is in the values, the inspiration and the potential of the local community. The creation of a place starts with people, not bricks and mortar.” This key idea is interpreted through the contributions made by local residents and through support for small-scale initiatives. “Of the 175 ideas proposed, we are taking on 150.” There is also a concrete socioeconomic aspect, including an educational internship (VSO+) to teach young people a profession within the construction industry. Above all, there is a lot of employment on its way with the extra shops and hospitality venues, the cinema, the conference centre, a bigger swimming pool, the library and more. All together, hundreds of new jobs are being created. “The realisation of Hart van Zuid is giving this area a big upgrade,” says Van de Braak. That is already noticeable in the increase in house purchases in the surrounding area. The progress Rotterdam South needs to make to compete with Rotterdam North is getting a real boost from the metamorphosis of the central area around Zuidplein and Ahoy. 50-metre, nine-lane pool The Arts Building and Swim Centre 71