Urban Renewel Central District, Hofbogen and ZoHO

Rotterdam’s Central District has undergone an impressive transformation in recent years, from a neglected area between Central Station and the former Hofplein Station to a lively station area. This transformation was partly initiated by the architectural firm ZUS, in which their striking 350-metre long wooden pedestrian bridge, De Luchtsingel, served as a connecting element for this urban development and created enormous dynamics in the area.

The Luchtsingel was not just an infrastructure project, but a catalyst for further urban interventions, including connecting the new Rotterdam Central Station with the renovated Hofplein Station. The success of the Luchtsingel led to a broader redevelopment, in which a diverse mix of start-ups, cultural institutions, music venues and green initiatives, such as the DakAkker, Het Luchtpark on a former station stop, and the repurposing of the Hofbogen, further enriched the area .

In the meantime, parts of the Luchtsingel have been demolished, but that does not alter the fact that the Central District is on the eve of major new developments. What stands out is the transformation of the infamous Hofplein traffic circle into a car-free strolling park, part of the 7 City Projects, from Weena to Coolsingel. It doesn’t stop there, because other projects such as the new residential/work building The Modernist by MVRDV, the renovation of Delftseblok and the spectacular rooftopgarden of the elevated Hofbogen railway viaduct across Rotterdam North are also in the starting blocks or are already in development.

The tour can be expanded with an additional loop through the new ZoHo. A future lively district with a mix of residential buildings, work and entertainment places for the ‘urban creative’ in a former industrial reconstruction neighborhood Zomerhofkwartier.

For all people professionally interested in placemaking, this part of Rotterdam offers both inspiration and examples for future urban projects, in which sustainability, innovation, multifunctionality and social impact are central.

An additional visit to DakAkker is possible, but with an extra fee of €12,50 ex VAT per group.

UrbanGuides has been located in this part of the city since 2010 and sees the area changing on a daily basis!

Tip: Interested in the green side of urban development? Check out our Green City tours!