Amsterdam has unveiled plans to remove its ‘sex window’ prostitutes from its famous red light district, and has announced a new ‘erotic centre’ for escorts.
On Monday, Amsterdam city executives named the location in the Dutch capital’s south as its preferred site for an out-of-town ‘erotic centre’, in a controversial plan.
Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the red light district and move it out of the inner city to a purpose-built centre, aiming to rid Amsterdam’s image as a ‘sin city’, while reducing the number of tourists and petty crime in the area.
‘The Europa Boulevard in the South district the most suitable location for the new Erotic Centre,’ the city’s executive said.
‘This choice will now be presented to the city council early next year,’ it added in a statement, saying it expected it to take seven years before it was due to open.
Amsterdam has unveiled plans to remove its ‘sex window’ prostitutes from its famous red light district, and has announced a new centre for escorts
Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, known as De Wallen, with its neon-lined windows in canalside houses where sex workers stand waiting for customers.
The Europa Boulevard, which sits on the edge of Amsterdam’s main business district was one of three possibilities for the erotic centre. It would have 100 rooms for sex workers, as well as restaurants, sex theatres, clubs and restaurants.
‘Finding a location for an erotic centre is a difficult task,’ the city administration said, adding: ‘Due to the enormous growth in tourism, the old town, especially the red light district, has been under pressure for years.’
It added: ‘Windows of the erotic center will only be located inside the building. In this way we want to combat sightseeing tourism and keep disruptive groups away.’
But the city’s plans have been opposed by locals who do not want the centre on their doorstep, as well as sex workers who feel they are scapegoats for the criminals and crowds surrounding their neon-lit booths.
Comment now
The choice of site puts the ‘erotic centre’ near the European Medicines Agency, which has also opposed the move, saying it could affect the safety of people working late at the office.
Meanwhile tens of thousands of people have signed various petitions against the transfer of the booths, calling instead for better crowd control and greater police surveillance in De Wallen, especially at night.
Moving the red light district is one of Amsterdam’s efforts to transform its image as a party capital.
It has also launched a ‘stay away’ campaign to discourage stag nights and boozy tourists, which caused a stir in Britain after the council said it would start by targeting British men aged 18-35.
On Monday, Amsterdam city executives named a new location in the Dutch capital’s south as its preferred site for an out-of-town ‘erotic centre’, in a controversial plan to move the city’s Red Light District away from its current home in De Wallen (pictured)
Mayor Femke Halsema (pictured, file photo) wants to uproot the red light district and move it out of the inner city to a purpose-built centre, aiming to rid Amsterdam’s image as a ‘sin city’, while reducing the number of tourists and petty crime in the area
Last month the city announced plans to ramp up its campaign to shoo away hard partying tourists after the first effort met limited success.
An online campaign will aim to show a different side of Amsterdam, featuring art and culture and stories of ‘real Amsterdammers.’
The city council is expected to discuss the proposals early next year and the erotic centre could take around seven years to build and open.