Heliport is green!

The Heliport Green project is ready! The courtyard has been changed into a beautiful green, flowery and climate-resistant area.

Two years ago, the plan arose from a residents' initiative to replace part of the petrified courtyard with greenery. This was the impetus for a collaboration between residents, the municipality and the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard water board to tackle the entire inner area.

The new courtyard had to be greener and climate-proof: more resistant to long-term, heavy rain and extreme heat.

Diana Vergeer, resident and initiator of Heliport Groen: 'I am proud of what we have all achieved together. In the spring of 2021, the courtyard will also receive a lot of beautiful flowers. Residents, visitors and passers-by can then enjoy the colorful Heliport. '

Climate-proof and circular

The courtyard has become climate proof, with a contribution from a LIFE subsidy and from the water board. Stones have been replaced by different types of greenery and flowers, totaling 495 square meters. A clean water sewer has been installed and where possible the downspouts in the inner area will be disconnected. The water is collected and directed to the Buttermilkshaven, where it flows around and through the complex.

The new playground equipment on the square is made of wood and there will be a 'worm hotel'. In it, the worms make compost from the GMO waste. That compost is used again for green maintenance in the courtyard. Partly involved residents take care of that maintenance, and partly the municipality.

Resident participation

The plan came about in close collaboration between residents, VVEs, neighborhood councils in the Oude Noorden and Agniesebuurt, the municipality of Rotterdam, the Schieland and Krimpenerwaard water board, and the Tussentuin foundation.

Residents (including children) were able to contribute ideas and make decisions at residents' meetings in 2019. For example, the idea for a new layout of the courtyard became increasingly concrete and the design has been further adapted to the wishes of residents and home owners. During the process, everyone was able to contribute ideas and the residents were listened to, in order to arrive at a beautiful, functional and widely supported design.