Feijenoord celebrates 200 years of history and transformation

The Feijenoord district is celebrating its 200th anniversary with festivities held at the Nassaukade through Sunday, August 30. The event features a Ferris wheel, a festival tent, and various stalls located along the waterfront near the former Unilever complex.

Historically, Feijenoord transitioned from an island to a major industrial and port hub following the establishment of the Etablissement Fijenoord shipyard and machine factory by Gerhard Moritz Roentgen. The area saw significant growth through harbor developments led by Lodewijk Pincoffs around 1875 and the construction of the Willemsbrug, which connected the south bank to the rest of Rotterdam.

While once home to large companies like Bergh & Jurgens and Oranjeboom brewery, much of the industry has departed. The district is currently undergoing a transformation from an industrial zone into a residential area. This shift includes the De Kaai new housing project, which will incorporate parts of the former Unilever factory to provide approximately 1,500 homes, contributing to a projected population of 10,000 residents.