New opportunities for port cities: the redevelopment of obsolete city ports

The transformation of the Merwe-Vierhavens port area into an urban living and working area

Port cities all over the world are dealing with changing demands on port areas and the relocation of ports outside the city. The result of this is the remaining obsolete port areas in and near the city centre. The Merwe-Vierhaven area in Rotterdam is a very outdated port area, where redevelopment is necessary. It is investigated how old port areas can be transformed into urban areas with urban economic activities by means of interviews in three (port) cities. In addition, surveys are conducted with companies about the importance of location factors in the desired sectors for the Merwe-Vierhaven area, namely clean tech, medical and food. Creating liveliness, realizing a mix of functions, promoting the unique qualities of the area and applying a broad focus on the three sectors appears to be important for the redevelopment of the Merwe-Vierhaven area.