Merwe-Vierhavens
The Merwe-Vierhaven area (M4H) is an old port site measuring approximately 100 hectares on the north bank of the Nieuwe Maas. It was once one of the largest fruit ports in the world, where storage and handling of various types of fruit took place daily. The port has now been transformed into a new residential and working area. A wide range of businesses has been established in the area.
The adaptation strategy for this area was developed under the direction of the Port Authority and the Municipality of Rotterdam and has resulted in a combination of sub-strategies.
High and dry
New developments are being constructed here at issuance level.
Protected hinterland
Water safety in this area is primarily ensured by a protective barrier. Additionally, in new developments, public infrastructure and spaces are raised as much as possible to the level of the protective boundary. Raising these levels reduces residual risk and is more robust in the long term. For homes and small businesses, it is particularly important to get them up to the required standard. In the case of existing buildings, connections to existing buildings and the risk of nuisance caused by precipitation must be taken into account. Risks to cables and pipes must also be taken into account: settlement differences as a result of embankments and maximum permissible coverage in connection with maintenance work.
Where raising to issuance level leads to problems in practice, the level to which the site can be raised must be determined at the project level. If, in these situations, it can be demonstrated that raising the level of public spaces is economically undesirable, this provides justification for not raising public spaces to the required level, in which case other measures must be taken (such as wet flood-proofing construction).
Protective function for the hinterland
Along the entire length of this line, roads and/or cycle paths and/or footpaths are elevated to provide protection for the protected hinterland.
Living with water
In these areas, the measures chosen will have no effect on water safety in the rest of the area. The measures can therefore be selected at building level. This could involve raising the level, but solutions such as wet and dry flood-proofing are also possible.
Risks and measures
Check your flood risk and the measures needed to protect your business.