Rotterdam in development

88 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 otterdam Makers District is made up of two areas located on both banks of the Nieuwe Maas. To the south, it focuses on the site of the former Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij (Rotterdam Dry Dock Company, RDM) at Heijplaat. RDM Rotterdam proved itself long ago as a breeding ground for technological innovation focused on the port, due to the schools located there and the more than 30 businesses established there, from start-ups to large international enterprises in the maritime sector. On the northern side of the water, the Makers District extends over the Merwe-Vierhavens area; M4H for short. In recent years, port activities have made way here for new activity in a more urban context. Creative activity in particular has found a place here. Businesses such as Studio Roosegaarde and Atelier Van Lieshout, as well as high-tech companies such as Spark and Wind Challenge, feel at home here. The municipality and Havenbedrijf Rotterdam are committed to developing both RDM and M4H further for a broad range of manufacturing companies. “Both areas are now a testing ground for innovation,” say Isabelle Vries, M4H Programme Manager, and Jouke Goslinga, RDM Programme Manager. “The port of Rotterdam – still one of the largest in Europe – is being revamped, and there’s a lot going on in terms of innovation. Those developments could use a boost.” The RDM site, birthplace of the Rotterdamsche Droogdok Maatschappij and the place where imposing ocean-going steamships were built, has historically already gained renown as a breeding ground for technology and innovation. Education and a new sense of purpose have continued that tradition. COMPLIMENT Jouke Goslinga: “I compliment the Havenbedrijf, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences and the municipality on their courage in taking this on. RDM’s success must be clear to everyone.” That does not mean there is nothing left to do. Goslinga: “The most THE ROTTERDAM MAKERS DISTRICT IS ABOUT TO BECOME THE PLACE FOR INNOVATIVE MANUFACTURING IN THE REGION. IT WILL BE THE PLACE WHERE START-UPS CAN GROW AND WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INTRODUCED TO ENGINEERING. THE FACT THAT NOT ONLY IS TECHNOLOGY DEVISED AND IMPLEMENTED HERE, BUT THAT EVERYONE CAN SEE IT, MAKES THE MAKERS DISTRICT A BREEDING GROUND AND A SHOWCASE. Ferro terrein M4H (photo: Hannah Anthonysz)