Evangelisch Centrum Europoort, Nieuwe Binnenweg 324, 326 & 308-314, Rotterdam
Evangelisch Centrum Europoort commissioned a feasibility study for the development of their property on the Nieuwe Binnenweg in Rotterdam. Core question was if it is wise to keep the premises on the current location or to move to another site.
The current premises of Evangelisch Centrum were built in 1919 as the WB Theater; a silent theater where an ‘explicator’ narrated the story connected to the images and an orchestra that accompanied the film musically.
Throughout recent years the Evangelisch Centrum Europoort at the Nieuwe Binnenweg has expanded more and more. Apart from the former cinema, also the dwellings above have been added.
The Evangelisch Centrum Europoort is a congregation in motion where a growing attendance finds its way to the gatherings. It is expected that the congregation will soon grow to 750 frequent visitors.
There is a strong need to use the space in a more efficient way and to make a more visible appearance of the organization towards their current location.
The following topics are investigated in order to form a basis of the accommodation strategy of the Evangelisch Centrum Europoort: the possibility to expand the meeting space, the foundations of the current building, renovation of the facade, the installations, the possibility of lease or sale of parts of the property, building costs and available subsidies.
A strategy has been made made in which various parts of the property become available with a possibility of lease of separate spaces. The Evangelisch Centrum can use the income for it’s own running costs or for renovation of their property. Through a smart multifunctional meeting hall the capacity of the space can be enlarged to 750 seats.
The new facade of the building gets an open, accessible appearance and the beautiful facade elements will be restored.