The Amsterdam concert hall Paradiso has bought a piece of land near the building in the center of the city. According to Paradiso, it is “one of the most coveted pieces of land in the center of Amsterdam”. Paradiso wants to use the plot as part of an ambitious renovation and new construction plan of the podium.
It concerns a piece of land that has been vacant since 1880 between the Weteringschans and the Singelgracht. The Amsterdam podium pays 3.5 million euros to real estate entrepreneur Klaas Hummel for the ground.
Paradiso has been giving concerts since 1968 in the 140-year-old former association building of the Free Municipality.
Bands and artists such as The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Prince, Adele and Kanye West performed in the ‘pop temple’, but also northern acts such as Skik, Mooi Wark, Cuby + Blizzards, The Serenes and New Adventures.
‘Current building is worn out’
According to director Geert van Itallie, the current building is worn out and has been lacking for some time when it comes to soundproofing, sustainability and space for public flows. Behind the scenes, the podium has been working on large-scale renovation and new construction plans for a long time. “On the ground, we hope to create a new entrance (visitors will then go underground to the current halls), offices and exhibition spaces,” said the director.
The financing and the granting of permits have not yet been completed. After the expansion and renovation, which Paradiso expects to take ten years to complete, the stage must be energy neutral and soundproof. However, the character and allure of the monumental building must be preserved. Paradiso wants to build a five-storey building on the acquired land, including offices and exhibition spaces.
Separate entrance for club nights
On the right side of the building, Paradiso will move into the former bicycle cellar in 2023. It will be an entrance for club nights in order to better guide the crowds and limit the noise on the street. It is a temporary solution, because in the long term Paradiso wants to build a new underground club and a connection to the underground entrance on the left.