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 75 ll these interventions are part of the Hart van Zuid project: “A qualitative metamorphosis aiming to create a new buzzing city centre in Rotterdam South – we’re happy to be a part of that,” says the Director of Ahoy, Peter van der Veer. The new conference centre, with 35 smaller rooms and a large hall that functions as an auditorium, music hall and theatre rolled into one, will add even more buzz to Hart van Zuid. Construction on the Rotterdam Ahoy Convention Centre will begin in 2018, and the conference centre, including a hotel on the Ahoy site, will open at the end of 2020. “We view the boost the area is getting as a very positive development. We will attract many (international) visitors who, either before or after their visit to Ahoy, will want to stay in this area. Our visitors will make a big contribution to the economic spin-off in this second heart of Rotterdam,” says Peter van der Veer. ROTTERDAM AHOY IS NEARLY 50, BUT IT HAS STOOD THE TEST OF TIME – NOT LEAST BECAUSE THIS INTERNATIONALLY OPERATING COMPANY IS NOT SHY OF UNDERGOING A BIG MAKEOVER, NOT EVEN WHEN BUILDING WORK TAKES PLACE IN BETWEEN EVENTS AND CONVENTIONS. THE FIVE CONVENTION & EVENTS SPACES ON THE WEST SIDE WERE RENOVATED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2017, AND A NEW-BUILD CONFERENCE CENTRE IS ON THE CARDS. ROTTERDAM AHOY IN ROTTERDAM SOUTH Foto: Guido Pijper