Transformation plans announced for Block D in Rotterdam’s Lloyd Pier

The municipality of Rotterdam have announced the property developer Kondor Wessels Vastgoed as the winner of the tender to develop Block D in Rotterdam’s Lloyd Pier. The regeneration of Lloyd Pier is considered one of the city’s most important family-oriented area renewal projects, of which Block D constitutes the final part. The new development has been named WERF&CO, and Paul de Ruiter Architects, WE Architecten and ZUS produced a design that includes a combined total of 135 homes, a food and drinks spot and a courtyard garden gloriously overflowing with wild greenery. A key element of the development’s design is a “Maas Window”, a large opening in the façade that visually and physically connects the intimate courtyard with the vast expanse of the Maas river beyond. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

The tender was secured on the basis of a unique, sustainable and energy-neutral design that reflects Lloyd Pier’s industrial past. WERF&CO will be defined by an abundance of wild greenery against a backdrop of industrial-chic residential blocks of varying height. The development will offer a total of nine housing types over nine floors and geared towards households in the (high-income) owner-occupied sector and the middle-income and luxury rental sectors. WERF&CO will be approximately 40 metres tall with a footprint of 18,000 m2. Apartments will vary in size from 60 m2 to 170 m2, approximately, and all apartments will boast sky-high ceilings and spacious private outdoor areas. The development will include 10 self-build plots, in addition to the 135 owner-occupied and rental properties. It will also include three indoor bike parking facilities and an underground car park.

Neighbouring developments and attractions include the successfully realised Müllerplein, the Delfshaven residential and commercial area and the historic Scheepvaartkwartier district, with its scenic Het Park and iconic Euromast. The site is bordered by water and boasts a unique maritime history. WERF&CO is set to add a stylishly industrial ensemble of buildings to the city’s built environment and boost its stock of spacious accommodation.