Amsterdam: Living, working, leisure

The canal ring is still an extremely popular place to live and work, and is always bubbling with activity. Besides the daily comings and goings, the area welcomes numerous special events, such as the annual Queen’s Day celebrations, the Gay Pride boat parade, and the Prinsengracht concert. Occasionally, as in 2010, the national soccer team tours the canals by barge, welcomed home by a huge crowd of cheering Dutch fans following a successful performance in the World Cup.

The original distinction between canals designated for living and those intended for commercial uses no longer applies. In fact, many former warehouses are private homes today, while commercial companies have moved into what were once mansions. This not only speaks to the magnetic appeal of this area, but it also reflects on the flexibility of the buildings and the scope that exists within the regulations on the conservation of historic buildings. Since 1999, Amsterdam’s entire city centre has been a protected cityscape, where any plans for building or demolition are subjected to the strictest scrutiny.

An arena for wonderful memories
The status ‘world heritage site’ will not change any of this. One of the conditions for the award of this status is precisely that the existing management of the area must be sufficient to protect and conserve its unique value for the future. That is what ‘World Heritage Site’ stands for. The award will not affect rental or purchasing prices, and no one need fear that the city centre will become an open-air museum or that Amsterdam will be deluged by mass tourism. On the other hand, many lovers of history and culture will be more enthusiastic than ever about visiting Amsterdam, since history is literally to be found in the streets here. For these visitors, as well as for all those who live or work here, Amsterdam’s canal ring will be an arena for wonderful memories, for many years to come.