European China Center in Rotterdam gets go-ahead

Rotterdam via WikipediaAn agreement to build a €100 million (Rmb 1 billion) European China Center in Europe's largest port city Rotterdam was signed today, report Dutch media.
The NRC-Handelsblad reports (nl) the contract was signed between property developer Volker Wessels and the Shanghai Construction Group, known from the many building sites in Shanghai and the rest of China.
The to-build complex will include offices for Chinese companies, companies focusing on China, a supermarket, restaurants and other service providers. Director Volker Wessels said he hoped the Shanghai Construction Group would also help in getting Chinese companies to the city. There were no commitments from any Chinese companies yet, the NRC added.
The complex will be build in the former harbor district Katendrecht where in 1900 also the first Chinese arrived on Dutch soil. The first phase is expected to start in 2009.