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Room for development in Rotterdam is scarce. One of the innovative solutions is the Kralingseberg (Kralingse Mountain) project – connecting two areas of the city that are currently separated by an infrastructure bundle consisting of the A20 motorway, a railway and a local road. Bridging this infrastructure creates a new developable area of 67ha.
Arup is responsible for masterplanning, civil engineering, acoustic consulting and transport planning advice.
The programme on the Kralingseberg will consist of a variety of urban villas, houses, and residential towers in a green environment. In addition, office space, underground shopping, leisure, sports, education and space for companies associated to the Erasmus University Rotterdam have been included.
Arup’s input has been to develop six prototype tunnel sections to bridge the infrastructure. These were tested for buildability, land-take and cost. This analysis, together with a phasing plan for the project, was integrated into the masterplan.
Arup also carried out a benefits assessment for the project which helped define the targets for the above-ground development.
“This is an investment that the city can enjoy for decades to come. In this way Rotterdam gets its own Central Park!
” Peter Bart Head of Development for Blauwhoed
