More details have been finalised about plans to redevelop part of Rotterdam’s urban docks, with two area projects getting the green light from city officials.

An arial view of the location of the two new districts

In January, Rotterdam councillors backed plans to develop the Keilekwartier, a new mixed-use district in the city’s docklands that will provide between 1,200 and 1,700 homes, alongside expanded space for creative entrepreneurs.

The plan focuses on sharing facilities, such as a single heating system for everyone, reusing materials, and sharing indoor and outdoor spaces.

Officials say preserving the area’s distinctive character will be a priority, with the initial focus on strengthening ties between existing businesses and developing affordable workspaces. Housing will be built later, once traffic, noise and smell issues have been addressed.

Starter homes

The second project, approved last October, involves 2,300 homes, mainly for starters and small households. The Marconikwartier will feature a mix of homes, workplaces and other facilities such as schools and hospitality venues, with residents enjoying views over the harbour. The master plan for the area is currently being developed and is due for completion in 2027.

Both the Keilekwartier and Marconikwartier are part of the M4H redevelopment project in the Merwe-Vierhavens port area, which is as large as Rotterdam’s city centre. In total, around 10,000 homes are set to be built in the area in the coming decades.

“Thanks to the unique cooperation with the companies already active in the area, an entirely new part of the city will be added across Merwe-Vierhavens,” said city housing chief Chantal Zeegers. “This is a real example of building the city together.”