'Hart 010' is slated to become a new entrance to the city centre. Located at the intersection of the Coolsingel and Westblaak boulevards, the area is being developed by different parties. The public transport node at the Beurs metro station will be upgraded, the outdoor space will be improved, and various buildings will get new functions. In the future, travellers will access the city centre via the improved metro station and arrive to a vibrant new area with a mix of living, working and social facilities with more than 550 homes and a hotel. Today, the City Council approved the framework for Hart 010.
Coolse Poort upgrade and a new residential tower
De Coolse Poort office building will have new functions while retaining the ‘Post-65’ architecture (built heritage dating from 1965-1990). The facade will be refurbished, and the building will offer space for offices, flexible workplaces, shops, catering, and a hotel. The adjacent office block on Westblaak is making way for high-rise with a maximum height of 200 metres. This tower will house a mix of living, a variety of facilities, workplaces, shops, cafes and restaurants. Future residents could choose from 550 to 700 owner-occupied and rental homes, ranging from affordable to the higher segment. At least 50% of the homes are planned for students and people with middle income. Shared facilities and green roof terraces for residents and visitors will encourage meetings and social contact.
Bas Kurvers (Alderman for Building and Living): “We are turning the fragmented city centre into a new heart where living, working, shopping, going out and public transport come together. In this way, we will improve the connections between the city centre and the wide range of shops with the busiest metro station in the city, the Beurs interchange. The outdoor space will be improved, and more homes will be created. There is a great need for affordable housing in the centre of Rotterdam. Half of the new homes are in the social and middle segment, and there will be housing for students.”
Beurs Metro Station and improved access to the city centre shopping area
Beurs metro station, the busiest metro station in the Netherlands, will have a renewed entrance to the city centre, towards Binnenwegplein. The Municipality of Rotterdam, RET and the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam-The Hague are exploring ways of improving comfort, accessibility, safety, underground bike parking, the connection to other modes of transport, and accommodating more passengers in the future. Improved public space with barrier-free paths for pedestrians will provide a safe and inclusive entrance to the largest shopping area in the city centre. New paving, streetlights and more greenery will create a pleasant place to linger or walk from the renovated Coolsingel to the future Blaakpark.
Masterplan and framework Hart 010
Developer Local in collaboration with Mecanoo have developed the masterplan for Hart 010. Together with the Municipality of Rotterdam they have been working on the framework for this project. The document contains the conditions for the development of the area Coolsingel, Westblaak, Binnenwegplein and Keerweer.
Planning
The City Council’s decision on the framework is expected in the near future. The implementation will start with the transformation of the Coolse Poort in 2022, when the plans for the Beurs metro station and a design for the new tower will be elaborated based on a new zoning plan. The development of the entire area is expected to take between 5 to 10 years.