Rotterdam in the Spotlights!

Rotterdam is in the international spotlights for the second time this year, by winning the titel of European city of the year 2015. The winning city is picked by The Academy of Urbanism in London and the choice is based on seven criteria: attraction, local character, economy, durability, wellbeing and accessibility.

This is not the first time that the city proves its international popularity. At the beginning of this year, Rotterdam was placed 10^th by the New York Times of the 52 places to visit this year. This is probably because 2014 is an important year for the city. With the (re) opening of popular attractions of the city. For example, the new Central  Station opened on the 14^th of March, the new Market Hal opened last month and in February the Kunsthal reopened its doors.

The Academy of Urbanism consist of more than 500 scientists, politicians, and specialists in the field of urban and regional developments. Its because of this that The Academy doesn’t focus only on the previous year. They investigated the archives and came to the conclusion that the city has developed in a notable way.

According to the jury rapport, they were impressed by the openness of the city, there are only a few places that are inaccessible. Rotterdam characterizes by its young, open and tolerant community that supports innovative architecture, urbanism, and new business models. Next to a strong vision and master plan there is a positive “let’s do it to see what happens” culture, says The Academy.

Ronald Schneider, the alderman of the city, accepted the award. According to him the city “deserved” it. The direct competitors of the title were Aarhus in Denmark and Turin in Italy. Marseille was last year’s winner.

Read next Thursday about Rotterdam Cultural Capital 2001.

Would you love to live in Rotterdam? Check Domica Rotterdam for more information!