Prior to its development, the land consisted of peat soil, which was cultivated for the production of turf.

The years that followed resulted in significant changes to the town due to residential and commercial building developments.

(source: Gemeente Lansingerland) In 1850 the town had a population count of 1,250, which by 1950 had expanded to 5,700.

The municipality of Tempel was abolished in 1855 and added to Berkel en Rodenrijs.

In 2016 plans were announced for Berkel Centrum West and construction started in April 2021.