Oude Noorden 3.11

Oude Noorden is an area of north Rotterdam, Netherlands and is part of the borough Noord. It has approximately 18,000 inhabitants. The district has much pre World War I and World War II architecture still in existence. It has a vibrant though somewhat discreet artistic community.In 2009 Eberhard van der Laan, the Minister of Housing, referred to the neighbourhood as the third worst in his "40 problem neighbourhoods" list.The construction of the districtOude Noorden is a typical residential area which was destined for the crowded city of Rotterdam to relief. The first houses were built in 1870 around the Noordsingel, which was part of the single plan of city architect Willem Nicolaas Rose. However, it was stipulated that the workers' houses were not allowed to be built on the Noordsingel.For the rest of the neighborhood were wide streets with large blocks provided. But the streets were narrow and the houses were built close together. Between 1870 and 1930 expanded the area further and further to the north, which in 1903 became necessary to annexing a part of the territory of Hillegersberg.Shopping and touristic areasOude Noorden is home to several shopping areas. The Zwart Janstraat and Noordmolenstraat together make up the 'Noorderboulevard', which is home to many (multicultural) stores. The adjacent Zwaanshals and neighboring Noordplein and Zaagmolenkade have seen an influx of small stores after makeovers of the buildings.