Amsterdam erotic center to open 2031 at earliest; Costs still unclear

Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema cannot yet say how much the erotic center in Amsterdam will cost. “An investment decision is currently being prepared,” the mayor said during a debate about the sex work complex. The mayor indicated that, according to the most recent planning, the center on Europaboulevard could be completed at the end of 2031. Previously, that was 2030.

During the debate, opposition parties were mainly skeptical about whether the arrival of an erotic center would reduce crowds and nuisance in the Red Light District. The parties also expressed concerns about possible nuisance to the Europaboulevard, the costs, and practical feasibility. “A costly and uncertain intervention,” Juliet Broersen of Volt said about the center. Cas van Berkel of JA21 even called it a “disastrous plan.”

The mayor stressed that the erotic center “was not just my idea” but that it emerged from extensive debates with the council itself in response to the crowds in the Red Light District. “Prostitution in itself does not cause nuisance,” said Halsema. The problems are caused by the “lookers who come in large numbers to watch the Red Light District. Therefore, the nuisance will be greatly reduced with the arrival of the erotic center.” The planned center will involve indoor window brothels, where visitors can only enter via a secure entrance.

Coalition partner D66, which previously announced that it would not immediately agree with the proposed location for the complex, said in the debate that it supported the designation location on Europaboulevard. “There are disadvantages at every location, but D66 sees that a careful consideration has been made, and we support that,” said Elise Moeskops. However, D66 still misses where exactly the council stands in terms of objectives and implementation of the center. But Moeskops called it “crucial that something changes in the city center” and with the “penis suit tourism.”

The meeting was previously delayed by groaning sounds that could be heard from some kind of speaker taped to the window from outside. The meeting room was temporarily evacuated. The meeting resumed at 7:30 p.m. The debate has not yet taken a vote on the arrival of the center.