The transformation of the Rijnhaven area is already underway with the first projects on the Kop van Zuid and until 2015 the accent will lie on completion of this programme. Water is the Rijnhaven’s gold: the water basins will form a podium for big Rotterdam events. Consequently, this will rule out any residential development on the water, allowing only public attractions such as a floating podium or marina. Development around the edge of the Rijnhaven will involve the interesting mix of retail, housing and the European China Center. Now that the contracts have been signed, work can begin in earnest on the development of the European China Center, which will become a European meeting place for not only Chinese businesses and entrepreneurs, but also the Chinese community. This will reinforce Rotterdam’s position as a bridgehead between China and Europe. The design for the Center comprises more than 35,000 m2 of retail, catering, offices, hotel and conference facilities. The House of Design, part of the 27,000 m2 Scharnier project, will be another key attraction, with shops and galleries featuring Rotterdam designers, flagship stores for names like Alessi or Iittala, exhibitions and events. New landscaping for the quays and the slow traffic Rijnhaven Bridge between the Wilhelminapier and Katendrecht will complete the ‘Rondje Rijnhaven’.