First pile of Wereldhaven

This construction is a typical example of effective work. When engineer Witteveen had completed his interesting design for the residential district to the north of Goudsesingel, where around 6000 homes will be built, he invited, with my approval, the architect Wils, whom I am glad to see here, to design the first group of 543 homes. That’s according to Johan Ringers in a speech on 15 April 1941 to mark the driving of the first pile into the ground for the Wereldhaven housing complex. Het Volk 16-4-1941

Once the 16-metre-long concrete pile had been rammed swiftly into the ground, to the great interest of the many onlookers, alderman Brautigam addressed those present: “Currently under construction on this site are the first workers’ dwellings that can be considered ideal public housing, and I hope that this project marks the start of a long and flourishing period of welfare. Difficulties will be encountered, but they must drive us to work with greater commitment, although there are moments when one has the feeling that the conditions are too powerful. However, one must then call to mind those historical words that sound so apt: “and do not despair”. Het Volk 16-4-1941

Previously, this was a densely populated neighbourhood, although it could never excel in terms of exceptional beauty. Narrow streets, buildings huddled tightly together, and poorly constructed home made living here not entirely a delight. What is now planned will be the very opposite: space, openness, plenty of green, plenty of flowers, and residential blocks arranged in such a way that every home receives sunlight in the morning and afternoon. Central areas with private gardens will not be found here. All areas planned as park may be used and enjoyed by every resident. Children can play here safely, while parents can stroll around after work. There will be no fumes from cars to spoil people’s enjoyment of the greenery and flowers. The new neighbourhood that will spring up will be unlike any other, in this country or elsewhere. De Banier 26-5-1941

Another important milestone has been reached in the resurrection of the city on the Maas. On Goudschesingel, in the middle of the destroyed city centre, the first family has moved into one of the new homes on Brussestraat, a name not yet unfamiliar to Rotterdammers. This is the Wouda family, now totally happy residents. They moved here from the emergency dwellings on Kanaalweg, where you can peep outside through the gaps in the wood. That’s so different in these comfortable, intimate homes, fitted with all modern conveniences: lavatory with shower, gas water heater, plenty of space, cosy rooms. A notable feature is the shared storage area located on the corner of the street, which can be used by all residents for storing bicycles and suchlike. Pleasant gardens at the front and back are maintained by the city council. An ideal neighbourhood, but for the time being people will not complain about too much hustle and bustle! Dagblad van Rotterdam 23-1-1943