Amsterdam is sick of tourists – we know this. From the ban on cruise ships, the restrictions on weed, the increase in tourist tax, and the ‘stay away’ and ‘renew your view’ campaigns, the city is dead set on making itself a more liveable place for locals and less attractive to tourists.
And there’s another pretty drastic change lined up. For months, there have been talks about moving Amsterdam’s famous world-famous red light district out of its traditional De Wallen location to an out-of-town ‘Erotic Centre’ – and it looks like the city has finally unveiled exactly where that’ll be.
According to an announcement made by city officials yesterday, the proposed location is Europaboulevard, an area in the south district of the city. Amsterdam’s mayor, Femke Halsema, has spoken about giving the red light district a makeover since entering office in 2018, and there are big plans for this new building.
Apparently, there’ll be a space for LGBTQ+ Amsterdammers, plus areas for cultural events connected to eroticism, like feminist lectures and tantric yoga classes. The ground floor will consist of sex shops, theatres, bars and restaurants, while two windowed towers will become the new red light district, according to Time. Of the red light district’s 249 licensed prostitution windows, 100 will be moved.
The proposed building isn’t without controversy. A recent survey found that the majority of Amsterdam locals opposed the move, while over the summer a petition against the Erotic Centre was launched by several individuals and businesses operating in the red light district. Sex workers have also protested against the move, citing concerns about displacement and safety. Families living near the proposed new site aren’t too thrilled, either.
The plans will be debated by the city council over the coming months. If approved, it’s unlikely the centre will be built and open for business until 2031. Never seen the De Wallen district in all its glowing red glory? There’s still plenty of time to visit this historic patch.
While you’re here, why not have a look at the best things to do in the red light district? Oh, and we’ve got a guide to the city’s best nightlife venues, and a cracking weekend itinerary too.
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