As part of a campaign to change the tourist image of Amsterdam, authorities have proposed relocating the red-light district from the city center. A multi-story complex called the “Erotic Center” is suggested to be opened on the Boulevard Europe in the southern part of the city (Zuid district). However, this proposal has faced opposition from both residents and workers in the erotic industry.
In a letter to the city council, Mayor Femke Halsema suggested the establishment of the Erotic Center, addressing her long-standing criticism of the red-light district. De Wallen, the oldest district in Amsterdam, has been historically associated with prostitution, considering its proximity to the port and sailors.
The so-called “window” prostitution emerged in the early 20th century and became popular. Women stand in large windows on the ground floor, facilitating communication with potential clients. Over time, the number of windows increased, and currently, there are around 250 brothels in the area. The red-light district is popular among tourists, hosting excursions, bachelor parties, and parties.
Amsterdam receives over 20 million tourists annually, making it one of the most visited cities in Europe. According to city authorities, almost one-fifth of all Amsterdam tourists spent time in the red-light district in 2022. The municipality aims to attract visitors who appreciate the district’s unique heritage, architecture, and culture, rather than its reputation for sex and drugs.
According to the authorities’ plan, the new complex outside the city center will house 100 brothels. The ground floor of the future center will include intimate shops, erotic theaters, bars, and restaurants. Importantly, the windows of these establishments will be located only inside the building, in contrast to the current situation where passersby can see sex workers through street-facing windows. This measure aims to proactively discourage tourist excursions and visits from curious onlookers. There will also be no characteristic glowing red lights.
However, not all residents and organizations in the Zuid district are satisfied with the upcoming neighbor. The Erotic Center will be located just 500 meters from the European Medicines Agency, leading to protests from the industry organization. According to the agency, its employees may be at risk of working late at night.
Families living near the proposed Erotic Center are also opposed and have petitioned to prevent the establishment of this questionable “attraction.”
“For Zuid residents, this move would mean the transfer of all the noise, crowds, and problems generated by the red-light district. It will disrupt the family and business-oriented infrastructure,” as stated in the petition.
Sex workers are also against the relocation, citing concerns about reduced earnings due to the distant location of their future workplaces. Moreover, there are risks that not all establishments will move to the new location, leading to the closure of some businesses.
The Amsterdam City Council will discuss the proposed location in the coming months. If approved, the creation of the Erotic Center will take seven years. If the changes proceed as planned, the expected opening horizon for the new red-light district will be in 2031.
