The Oude Westen is now best known for its two bustling streets, the Nieuwe Binnenweg and the West-Kruiskade. The neighbourhood was once a densely populated working-class area with old houses, often lacking adequate sanitary facilities. In 1970, the residents rose up in protest, demanding better housing that was affordable for the existing residents. Protests took place almost weekly, with the Actiegroep Oude Westen at the centre of it all.

It marked the beginning of an unprecedented period the history of Rotterdam: urban renewal. Over a period of more than 20 years, hundreds of homes were renovated and merged, and dilapidated buildings were replaced by new residential complexes, offering a wide variety of housing types. In addition, social facilities, public spaces and new side streets were introduced in the neighbourhood. With the slogan ‘building for the community, this makes the Oude Westen a prime example of urban regeneration.

Discover the history and architecture of the Oude Westen through walking routes and background stories.