EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - CinecITy’ Rotterdam example of redevelopment of former industrial locations

CinecITy’ Rotterdam example of redevelopment of former industrial locations

Introduction

Rotterdam has a strong profile as a home for film, audio-visual facilities and new media, and is ambitious to take full advantage of the growth in this sector. In this way, the city has chosen for a new form of creative industry. The CinecITy project is a part of the reconstruction and re-use of existing buildings in the Schiecentrale. This improves the quality of life in the area. A unique aspect of this project is the combination of hardware and software (buildings and the use thereof) and the spin-off in Delfshaven (influx of higher-income inhabitants, business activity and tourism)

Problem

How can the re-designation of buildings play a role in stimulating media undertakings?

Description

The project consists of a combination of work and living space specifically tailored to the audio-visual and film industry. The latent potential of the location is realised, as the existing industrial buildings have powerful charisma. They are situated along the waterfront. The plan also aims at redevelopment of the entire area, in coordination with the development of the Schiecentrale. The current state of affairs is as follows:

Construction: Renting of the spaces did not go as planned, due to the recession. This led to a delay in delivery of the buildings. The first sub-project in phase 4 was delivered in June 2007. The rest will be delivered in phases during 2008. This will include: 3,500 m2 for RTV Rijnmond, 11,000 m2 office space, 19,050 m2 living/working areas, 2,081 m2 supermarket, 724 m2 sports hall, 473 parking spaces, 1,200 m2 other functions;
Cultural impulse: the council is using the Rotterdam Film fund (RFF) as an instrument, and the OBR. The former power station at Lloydstraat 5 is, in particular, home to a concentration of film/AV and ICT companies;
Influence over the living environment: Residents and users have extensive influence over their living environment. PWS and Proper Stok act as mouthpiece;
Healthy and safe living environment: In addition to the Bouwbesluit (Construction Decree), a number of measures have been taken to improve safety in the living/working environment. Cameras have been installed at the entrance and other sensitive areas in and around the building. The janitor has access to each camera. Residents and users can see who is at the door from their own computer;
Employment: The construction company has pledged 5% of the wages included in the tender for employment of the long-term unemployed.

Results

In addition to the results to date as listed above, the following learning-points have been defined:

Long-term projects can be prey to changing conditions. Functions are already being realised elsewhere (stand-alone). Economic conjuncture is difficult to predict; the world is a different place in comparison to the time of the application;
The IPSV subsidy is not only valuable for the financial injection it gives, but also for the recognition and aura it confers. There has been a perceptible change, for example, in the response from the council and other officials since the project received this token of recognition;
The European tender regulation is not helpful towards healthy pricing. Only the very large companies can enter the bidding;
A leading role for government, that also acts as motor, is the only option for risky projects for the improvement of the economic structure of an area. The Schiecentrale would not have been redeveloped if it had been left to free enterprise.

Contact info

Rotterdam Municipality - Ontwikkelingsbedrijf Rotterdam
Miranda Lindenhof, tel. +31-(0)104893753

Project start date

05/05/2008

Links

Click here for more information about this project (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Keywords

Specific sectors