Oldest club in the Netherlands closes for renovations

Club Westwood, the country’s oldest nightclub, will reopen on Sept. 12 after a major renovation that adds daylight, flexible interiors, and space for events ranging from concerts to corporate gatherings, Omroep West reports.

Closed since mid-July, the Laan van Poot venue is undergoing its most ambitious overhaul in more than 30 years. Director Vincent “Butchie” Marshall said the break feels strange after decades of near-constant activity. “We have never really been closed, except during corona,” he told Omroep West. “But it’s also nice — I can finally plan ahead for new parties.”

The redesign includes a wall-length window, movable DJ booth, and modular bars, allowing quick shifts between nightlife and daytime uses. Marshall said the goal is to stop wasting empty hours: “Right now, we are actually empty most of the day.”

The refresh comes amid declining club attendance as more people reportedly favor festivals, earlier nights, and healthier lifestyles. Westwood will adapt by offering new activities, such as fitness classes beneath a 2-by-12-meter LED ceiling projecting anything from the Sistine Chapel to a night sky.

Some history will remain: the dance floor will be recycled into terrace planters or stages, old disco balls will return, and the club may host pole dancing workshops with movable poles.

While the number of club nights will not rise, private events such as weddings and business functions will increase, easing noise concerns for neighbors, Marshall said. The post-pandemic “Classic Party” will also return in late September as a Sunday afternoon event, with The Clarks headlining.