Rotterdam loosening measures to speed up housing construction projects

Rotterdam is implementing measures to accelerate the construction of new housing in the city. Shorter procedures, fewer rules, clear frameworks for developers and builders, and experimenting with low-tech are among the changes that the city is looking to implement to help with the housing shortage.

The city no longer wants additional requirements in tender procedures, which is when contractors ask companies for permission to perform certain actions. They feel that these requirements cause delays. The city also thinks getting rid of this requirement will make the renovation of existing buildings easier.

In addition, the city is developing a reporting point for construction companies to report the issues they are facing. Rotterdam is going to do more experimenting with low-tech buildings. These are easier to build and require fewer expensive and complex installations.

“The time of extra requirements and delays is over,” Alderman for Construction Chantal Zeegers said. “There is a great need for affordable housing in Rotterdam. But rising construction costs, slow procedures, and complicated rules are obstructing this. That is why we are letting go of the brakes and accelerating: fewer barriers, shorter waiting times, more clarity for construction companies. That is how projects go from ideas to reality more quickly.”