A model of De Handwissel, made by Nico Parlevliet

Opening

20/11/2015
Broad Hilledijk / Laan op Zuid

The Hand change


A reminder of the train traffic in Zuid
Until well into the 20th century, daily train traffic ran through the streets of Rotterdam South. The trains gradually disappeared from the streets of Zuid, partly due to the restructuring of the district. As a reminder of the railway lines that were so decisive for the street image of this district, one manual switch on the Brede Hilledijk was saved by residents. Their efforts, in collaboration with BKOR (a program of CBK Rotterdam), have resulted in this manual switch being preserved and given a place in the neighborhood as a reminder of this piece of history. The switch has been preserved and has a plinth designed by artist Nico Parlevliet.

On November 20 2015, at 16: 00 hour, De Handwissel will be unveiled at the intersection of the Brede Hilledijk and Laan op Zuid.

During the festive unveiling, initiator Marianne van den Heuvel will share a few written memories of residents of the time when trains still ran through the streets of Zuid, and she will tell about the significance of the railway for the history of the district and for the port. Siebe Thissen (head of BKOR) discusses the key role that BKOR has been able to play in the process, and what CBK Rotterdam can still mean for art in the neighborhood in the future. This is followed by a formal signing moment between the Vestia housing association and the Afrikaanderwijk Coöperatie. The district cooperative officially becomes the owner of the Handwissel, Vestia takes care of the maintenance. Aart Zevenbergen, vice-chairman of the Feijenoord area committee, will perform the opening ceremony. The program ends with a snack and a drink at De Munt.

 

Made possible by:
GR # L1