Keile District
The M4H area has changed its name and character over the last century, but its innovative spirit has always remained. Originally created as a port extension, it was later severely damaged during the war and transformed into Rotterdam’s leading global fruit port. This was followed by a period of decline, during which the area became one of the epicenters of the heroin epidemic and gained notoriety as a prostitution zone.
In the last two decades, however, the area witnessed a remarkable shift, when new forces started to gain weight in the area. The low real estate value of the area started to attract makers, young entrepreneurs, architects, designers, and artists who could not find suitable working spaces elsewhere in the city. The new type of resident business started to root in the neighborhood, breathing new life into its once-forgotten spaces.
Now, the area stands at a tipping point of undergoing huge transformation. It aims to further develop a strong innovation ecosystem, focusing on technological manufacturing companies alongside creative makers and urban facilities. There are opportunities for businesses engaged in the circular economy, new mobility, and the energy transition.
Located in the cultural heart of M4H, Keile District in Rotterdam is a vibrant cultural hub where art, innovation, and community come together. With studios, exhibition spaces, workshops, and shared spaces, it’s a hub for creative exchange, attracting both local and international talent. Its community is anchored within various historical warehouses and former port land such as Brutus, Soundport, Foodunion Rotterdam, Club BIT, Keile Café, Katoenveem, Keilepand, Crossing Keileweg, Katoenhuis, Keilewerf, Daan Roosegaarde, Kunst & Complex, and Food Garden. Its impact goes beyond Rotterdam, reinforcing the city’s reputation for creativity and innovation. Strengthening and expanding the current creative industry helps shape an urban fabric that connects to the city. It gives the area its identity and lays a solid foundation for future housing development. The future of Keile District will center around these activities: makers, creativity, craftsmanship, living, collectives, hospitality.
Keile Gebiedscooperatie
M4H is considered one of the largest urban redevelopment projects in the Netherlands in the coming years. Within this transformation, the Keile District holds a unique position, both in its programming and as an organization.
Keile Gebiedscooperatie (Keile Area Association) consists of building owners as its core members, along with one seat for the Municipality of Rotterdam and one seat for Guardian of Nature. Its mission is to support and grow the creative community in M4H—keeping local talent, pushing back against gentrification, and providing makers and artists with spaces to work, exhibit, and collaborate. At the same time, it preserves the area’s industrial heritage and focus on sustainable urban planning.