200,000 people live in Rotterdam South. There are beautiful canals, picturesque avenues and some schools are more charming than those found in the North. How is it possible therefore that the South has such a negative image?
Why is it that there is much poverty, high unemployment, less public transport and low levels of higher education? How is it possible that city and port have grown so far apart? And why do the dikes form a barrier?
In a three-year search, Francine Houben studied the history of South, spoke with the Port Authority, inland navigation boaters, residents, market vendors, educational institutions, mobility experts, artists, officials and administrators. Her conclusion was: an integrated vision is needed that gives the South a perspective again. What if the existing dike infrastructure is transformed into a spectacular ten-kilometer-long dike park, a reconciliation between port and city?
A green ribbon where Southerners, both local residents and port workers alike, can walk, stroll, and do sports? An education campus in the Maashaven focused on the theme of care, technology and logistics.
A place for collaboration between Delft University of Technology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, HBO, MBO, startups and culture, of course also providing new student accommodation. Waalhaven South Campus, just like the piers in the Waalhaven, will transform into places where working, living and recreation merge together.
Improving mobility is essential: good cycling and walking connections, a new Waalhaven South metro station, a 6.5-kilometer round “Heart of Rotterdam” that connects cycling south and north of the river through the Maas tunnel and Erasmus bridge. And last but not least a new super bus route from Central Station to Waalhaven South and Feyenoord City. Download and read full document 'Manifest Rotterdam Zuid'.