The Municipality of Rotterdam has reached an agreement to sell the Maassilo to its current operator, Maassilo/Now&Wow. This means the Rotterdam landmark, an important stage for the city’s nightlife for many years, will officially come into their hands. Through the sale, the municipality aims to preserve the Maassilo’s use and value for future generations. On Thursday, Alderman Robert Simons (a.o. Real Estate & Hospitality) marked the milestone with a symbolic key handover on the building’s rooftop.
In recent years the building has grown into a vibrant venue for music, culture, and events, and a cornerstone in Rotterdam’s nightlife, thanks to the efforts of Maassilo/Now&Wow. With the sale, the municipality will transfer the property to the organization that has successfully programmed and brought the Maassilo to life for many years.
“The Maassilo is a Rotterdam icon and an important stage for the nightlife of our city. With this sale, we ensure that the Maassilo will continue to thrive in the future. Places like this make Rotterdam lively and attractive for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs. We have full confidence that the Maassilo is in good hands with its new owners”, said Alderman Simons.
Monument with a rich history
The Municipality of Rotterdam has owned the Maassilo since 2003. The building was constructed in the early 20th century as a grain silo, featuring characteristic elevators that transported grain directly from ships into the silo. Over the past two decades, the industrial complex has developed into a unique and popular cultural venue in the city. Due to its historical and cultural significance, the building has been designated a municipal monument.
Future of the Maassilo
With the sale, the municipality aims to preserve the monument sustainably. The agreement includes arrangements for careful maintenance and further development of the building, with respect for its historical value. It has been agreed that the monument will be restored, with special attention to its distinctive concrete façade.
It has also been agreed that the Maassilo will remain an anchor point for Rotterdam’s nightlife and pop culture, in line with the city’s Nightlife Plan, Hospitality Implementation Plan, and Pop Vision. The future Nelson Mandela Park will also create opportunities for the redevelopment of the Maashaven area and for programming around the Maassilo.
The proceeds from the sale will flow back into the municipal budget and may be used for new social initiatives and urban development projects.
MADE Real Estate acted as commercial advisor to the buyer in this transaction, with legal support from Ploum. The seller was commercially advised by Ooms Makelaars Bedrijfshuisvesting and legally by Pillar Notarissen.
