Rotterdam West is characterised by many initiatives, including plans to redevelop the M4H area (Merwehaven, post-shipyard area) into a residential area, green squares around the Hofplein, and the development of social housing. Following the many voices and ideas concerning the redevelopment of that urban area, community-led initiatives often feel under pressure and threatened by the risk of eradication.

Spoortuin, a community garden situated in the vicinity of Essenburgpark, is one of the spaces where the pressure is felt and where discussions are taking place. The garden was founded on top of an eradicated garden and runs alongside train rails, which points to the (now slowly decreasing) close connection between the Dutch Railways (NS) and gardening spaces. In 1972, the NS rented out around 132 hectares of land adjacent to train rails, providing space for around 4000 gardens. Nowadays, many vegetable gardens founded next to train rails face the risk of termination due to the need for track widening.

Trying to resist and bolster the presence of community-led gardening initiatives, the community of Spoortuin is working on establishing connections with other community gardens in the city. This could, potentially, result in the creation of ‘Stadspark’ (City Park), a new park run by citizens.

Spoortuin, together with its actions, inspires us as a manifestation of the commons: a space where collective identity is being formed, in reference to the ongoing changes in the urban area that the garden is part of.