Green light first phase Masterplan
On 7 October, a ringing ‘yes’ sounded from Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam’s Executive Board to phase 1 of the Masterplan. This means a ‘yes’ to projects such as the Student Pavilion, the semi-underground car park, the Erasmus Plaza above the car park, and green space.
A ‘yes’, then, to campus quality improvement, and to any future growth. The Board looks upon this plan as a crucial step in the realization of EUR’s many ambitions.
The development process first began in 2007, with the contest for an effervescent heart to the campus. When the strategy document 2013 was being written, another wish was expressed: for a campus high in quality, and able to accommodate EUR’s ambitions for internationalization.
The Executive Board has not taken their task lightly: they informed themselves thoroughly, and made clear choices – keeping both finances and exploitation consequences constantly in mind. A second opinion was asked about the entire plan by an independent consultant. In June, deans, Supervisory Board and University Advisory Board were consulted, all of which gave the go-ahead in September. There have been several meetings with student organizations and an employee focus group.
Over the past year, there have been many talks with all echelons of Rotterdam City Council. By now, a provisional project development plan has been drawn up, as well as an anterior agreement. In the latter, agreements have been laid down about role and finances of university and council. Both documents will get final approval in October by the Mayor and Executive Board of Rotterdam. At an earlier date, EUR drew up a pact with residents’ association Kralingen Oost, which includes a planning framework.
After the council’s approval, the project team will get to work in order to get the plans realized on time. By 2013, the essence of it must be visible. Over the next years, a transformation of the campus will take place. This can’t go entirely unnoticed, even though Erasmus Facility Services will try its hardest. Clear and factual communications will play a major role in this. For example, all relevant (background) information may be found on the topical website Campus under Construction. The phrase ‘Masterplan’, incidentally, will be replaced by that of ‘campus under construction’, as it will also include renovations of existing buildings, such as that of the C-building.
On 27 October, you can hear about the most up to date plans during the information afternoon for all employees and students. We would very much like to welcome you when all plans are revealed!
