Rotterdam Collective

Ok you may have noticed the no-updates of late. I’m sorry about this, it’s just that there’s been very little to update. The owners of the TV Rijnmond tower are exceedingly slow in their response and negotiations, and we’re not very much further than we were late last year. We made a proposition, and have not heard from them since, despite some egging-on.

However, all is not lost, because meanwhile we’ve been looking at other properties. Today out of nowhere something materialized that looks very interesting indeed. The following is the case:

A company called Container is renting a large 6000 m2 building right next to the central train station in Rotterdam. They are renting it from a project developer (LSI), on uncertain terms (1.5 years guaranteed, everything after that is bonus). They’ve set up a concept and are renting out bits and pieces to creative industries. Nothing special so far.
However, on the ground floor of the building a company was housed that only just left. They now have a basement (700 m2) and 650m2 of very nice space for rent. They offer both as-is and somewhat-finished renting options which might save us a lot of hassle.

It consists of two large spaces, each of about 325 m2. One of them has skylights that give gorgeous light. The two spaces are bisected by a shared hallway that can be used as a lunch space, or a gallery of sorts. Still in use but soon to be available at the back is a loading dock that can function as a small gallery space. It has some nice level changes.

The financial proposition is pretty good, and by going down this route we would save on administrative and management hassle, as the building is mostly taken care of by container. We’d only have to deal with the services, not with the lease with LSI, energy, repairs, etc. Container is a very enthusiastic party, they like our concept a lot, and are willing to give us slack both financially and organization wise. Tomorrow we’re going again to visit the place with a larger group of people (please join).

Something worthwhile noting is that with the current economy, and the terrible slowness of the city of Rotterdam’s decision making process, this building might last us well beyond 1.5 years. We would also have to have 30 people to make this work. So, if you have friends that you think would be interested, let them know, so they can be the first to fill out the ranks.

No photos of the building as of yet but here are the:
Google Maps location

Google maps person location
Birds Eye view