Oude Noorden is an area of north Rotterdam, Netherlands and is part of the borough Noord. It has approximately 18,000 inhabitants. The district has much pre World War I and World War II architecture still in existence. It has a vibrant though somewhat discreet artistic community. In 2009 Eberhard van der Laan, the Minister of Housing, referred to the neighbourhood as the third worst in his "40 problem neighbourhoods" list.
The construction of the district
Oude Noorden is a typical residential area which was destined for the crowded city ofRotterdam to relief. The first houses were built in 1870 around the Noordsingel, which was part of the single plan of city architect Willem Nicolaas Rose. However, it was stipulated that the workers' houses were not allowed to be built on the Noordsingel. For the rest of the neighborhood were wide streets with large blocks provided. But the streets were narrow and the houses were built close together. Between 1870 and 1930 expanded the area further and further to the north, which in 1903 became necessary to annexing a part of the territory of Hillegersberg.
Shopping and touristic areas
Oude Noorden is home to several shopping areas. The Zwart Janstraat and Noordmolenstraat together make up the 'Noorderboulevard', which is home to many stores. The adjacent Zwaanshals and neighboring Noordplein and Zaagmolenkade have seen an influx of small stores after makeovers of the buildings. In the early 20th century, the Noordplein was home to regular outdoor markets. Today it is home to many other events, such as markets, carnavals, music festivals and food festivals. In recent years, there has been an increase of these events, which has brought activity back to this area.
Present and future
After years of deterioration, quality of life in Oude Noorden has been improved significantly by the submunicipality and housing corporations. The shopping districts Zwart Janstraat, Noordmolenstraat and adjacent Zwaanshals are now home to many multicultural stores. Both the government and the housing corporations are attempting to build up the image of the neighborhood.
Architecture
Oude Noorden is a mixture of architectural styles. Most notable are the styles of the 20th century and the urban renewal in the 1980s. The district is compact with a high number of inhabitants per square kilometer. Notable buildings are the bandstand at the Pijnackerplein, and the Convent of the Ruivenstraat. In the third Pijnackerstraat is the building in which the oldest neighbourhood library of the Netherlands was established.
