Squatters move into monumental building in Rotterdam

A group of squatters has occupied a vacant historic building on Havenstraat in Rotterdam-Delfshaven, living there for nearly two weeks while planning to renovate it for community use, according to Rijnmond.

The building, more than 20 years empty, was purchased in 2006 by a private owner who has struggled to obtain permits to convert it into residential units due to its municipal monument status. The building originally served as a bank branch in 1916 and later as an accounting office.

The squatters, using pseudonyms from Annie M.G. Schmidt’s classic Dutch children’s book Pluk van de Petteflet, have renamed the building ‘Petteflet’ and displayed a flag and banner referencing the story, which follows a young boy and his adventures in a vibrant apartment building.

"We have introduced ourselves to the neighbors and agreed on house rules. Now the cleanup and renovation process begins. Hopefully we can open the doors soon,” Aagje, one of the squatters, told Rijnmond. They have also spoke with local police, and said they are prepared to let a court determine ownership if necessary.

A previous squatting incident in 2023 ended with the owner winning court approval to convert the building into a daycare, but the project never materialized. “The building was still left in poor condition, with construction materials and debris everywhere,” said Aafje, another squatter.

The group has contacted the building’s manager, who was displeased but exchanged emails with the squatters. “We expect the owner to take action,” Aagje told the newspaper.

The squatters aim to create a shared space on the lower floors and eventually house residents on the upper levels. “The building is currently mostly inhabited by pigeons,” Aagje said. “Our main goal is to create a place the entire neighborhood can use.”