Grotekerkplein - Rotterdam

In the Rivieroevers programme, the municipality of Rotterdam, together with all kinds of partners in the city, is giving the Nieuwe Maas, Rotte and Schie rivers a boost. Running, a bit of fishing, strolling through the greenery, grabbing a terrace or lying in the grass. Rotterdam’s rivers are becoming even more attractive, natural and alive.

The platform with steps and seating at Grotekerkplein is the first in a series of bank modifications along the Rotte. This will allow visitors to the city park to sit closer to the water. Also, canoes and other small boats can moor more easily. The Grotekerkplein is part of the sailing route network on the Rotte. Using this network, a route across the water is easy to plot. The platform in the Delftsevaart (offshoot of the Rotte river) is 45 metres long and offers at least 11 moorings for single canoes and sloops.

Ambition diagram for Grotekerkplein
  1. Green square on the Rotte with orientation on the Rotte, address Laurenskerk on the Rotte, square as water buffer
  2. Disconnecting rainwater from roof surface (incl. Laurenskerk) on the Rotte
  3. Ecologische ‘stepping stones’ / onderwater ecologie t.b.v. vismigratie
  4. Vaarmogelijkheid Rotte voor kleine bootjes en kano’s
  1. Continuous cycling connection from source to Meuse (straat met de 7 namen)
  2. Dudok / E-ON
  3. Programming makes it a residential square
  4. New construction Westewagenstraat (Kluster Architects)
  5. Promising real estate in relation to programming / placemaking on the Rotte
  6. Mooring option Kerkplein
  7. Activating the ground floors
  8. Route for pedestrians, bicycle as guest

Ambition and objectives

Based on the various themes as described in Programme River Banks, places such as the Grote Kerkplein have been assessed for their relevance to the Rotte as a whole. Together, these themes bring into focus the main synergy opportunities for each site. Here, a distinction is made between 2 types of preconditions; the opportunities in terms of continuity and placemaking; and in addition to that, the opportunities for water, ecology and greening are depicted. The quays of the Rotte will initially be provided with the Rotte capping beams at key locations. The remaining quays retain their masonry quay with a brick coping course. In the north of the Rotte, a natural bank is applied where the profile allows.

Capping beams as information facility and making rainwater experienceable

Waterfront accommodation in the heart of the city

The platform is an extension of the ‘green’ Grotekerkplein by means of a staircase with integrated seating elements
Photo: Sebastian van Damme

More visitors to the city park will soon be able to sit on the waterfront. Canoes and boats can easily moor at the lower platform. The Grotekerkplein is part of the sailing route network on the Rotte, specifically for canoes. The approach to the quay at Grotekerkplein is the first in a series of adjustments to the quays along the Rotte.

View of the quay and city stage from Hoogstraat

Kade Kerkplein is part of Rotte Rotterdam. More information about the project.

Location
Rotterdam
Status
Completed
Client
City of Rotterdam
Steven Delva
Sander van den Bosch