The area around Pompenburg, near the former Hofplein Station, is transforming into a new district with homes, offices, shops, and hospitality. This aims to make the area a vibrant part of the city center again - and a link between Rotterdam North and the center.
Before World War II, Pompenburg was the bustling heart of Rotterdam. It included the old station building of the Hofplein line and the well-known café Loos. After the destruction caused by the 1940 bombing, the area was never fully restored and has always had a somewhat neglected appearance.
Alderman Chantal Zeegers (Climate, Building and Housing): Pompenburg is the last part of Rotterdam that has not yet received a full new development after the bombing. That is about to change. We will reconnect the area with the city center and link it to the surrounding neighborhoods.
New homes in the heart of the city
The development of Pompenburg includes 3 large residential buildings with 4 towers. The towers have different heights, from 57 meters on the Stroveer side to 140 meters at Pompenburg itself. In total, about 1,100 homes will be built, with a large portion for social rent and so-called middle rent.
Chantal Zeegers: There will be 167 social rental homes and about 510 homes for middle incomes. This means many new, affordable houses in the center of Rotterdam.
Shops and hospitality
The renewed Pompenburg will not only be a residential area but also a place to work, meet, and relax. There will be shops, offices, and hospitality, such as a cinema. This fits well with the offerings of the Hofbogen, where further work will continue in the coming years on the new Hofbogenpark. Link opens an external page. And by the end of 2027, the new city park. Link opens an external page at Hofplein will be ready.
What is happening now?
The city council has already received the draft zoning plan and residents could give their opinions on the plan. People who responded can attend a hearing in January 2026. The city council is expected to adopt the zoning plan definitively in February 2026. Construction could begin at the end of 2027, depending on how the procedure goes.
The development of Pompenburg is a collaboration between the Municipality of Rotterdam and a group of 3 construction companies: Dura Vermeer, J.P. van Eesteren, and Synchroon.
