rssSep 11, 2026, 18:00

Spui book market under pressure due to Kalverstraat renovation: "This will cost money"

Book vendors at the Spui market in Amsterdam face potential relocation as the city plans to use their current site for construction storage during the upcoming Kalverstraat renovations. Traders fear that moving from their popular location will result in a loss of revenue, prompting ongoing discussions with the municipality to find a suitable alternative.

Vendors at the historic Friday book market on the Spui in Amsterdam are concerned about their future as the city plans to renovate the nearby Kalverstraat starting next year. The municipality may use the Spui square as a storage site for construction materials during the project, which is expected to last until 2028. This potential relocation has caused anxiety among the 23 regular book dealers, who worry that moving away from their current high-traffic location will significantly impact their revenue.

While the city is currently in discussions with the vendors to find alternative sites, such as the Oude Turfmarkt or the Rokin, many merchants fear these options lack the visibility and accessibility of their current spot. Stadsdeel Centrum has stated that it is working closely with contractors to find a solution that accommodates the needs of the market. The upcoming renovations involve extensive work on sewers, piping, and pavement, forcing traders to face a period of uncertainty regarding their livelihood in the heart of the city.

Economy Business Culture Amsterdam

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Based on reporting by rss. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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