At the moment we got involved in the project, there was only a global Program of Requirements. We analyzed the plan and asked how it matched the exploitation plans. This enabled us to work towards a much more detailed plan for Ahoy to maximize her exploitation of the building.

One of the issues we brought up was building new grandstands on both short sides of the Arena. During concerts, one of the short sides is never used. The same goes for most sporting events.

In consultation, we agreed to build only one new short side attached to the new grandstand. The budget that was reserved for the other short side was poured into things that would render more money in the exploitation.

Next to that, we steered Ahoy towards the decision to renew the roof. A new roof means way bigger payloads can be hung, and a much higher clear ceiling height. This operation was not included in the original scope of the project.

In 2019, the abundance of clear ceiling height and the huge load capacity of the roof proved to be decisive in landing the Eurovision Songfestival in Ahoy. A prestigious event with enormous commercial value for Ahoy and vast (economic) spin-off for the city of Rotterdam.

The biggest challenge was to combine the actual building process with the ongoing exploitation of the Arena by Ahoy.

The requirements for the continued operation made it difficult to tender the project. The accumulation of risks took away the attractiveness of the job for contractors. But, very detailed preparation of the execution phase and integral cooperation between client, user and design made the public tender quick and smooth.

In the end, it took 1,5 years of building, of which the Ahoy Arena only had to close for 0,5 years. In the middle of this closure, the Arena opened just for one weekend, to host the North Sea Jazz Festival (25,000 visitors per night). In that same period, the Tour de France started at Ahoy. It was a unique combination of events that were not allowed to be hindered by the building process.

During the rest of the construction period in which Ahoy was open, many more events were also organized. There were a bunch of big events, like concerts, world championships gymnastics and judo, the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament and Vrienden van Amstel Live. During practically the whole period, there was event construction and deconstruction on the building site.

The project had a very tight financial and planning framework. In the end, the new Ahoy Arena opened on the date we announced 2 years prior. All within the budget of the city of Rotterdam and with a very satisfied Ahoy.