Amsterdam plan to move red light district prostitutes into out-of-town ‘erotic centre’ is met with fury by European Medicines Agency that is based just yards away after quitting UK for Holland because of Brexit
Amsterdam's plan to move prostitutes in the red light district to an erotic center outside the city has been greeted with anger by the European Medicines Agency.
The agency had moved from London to the famous Dutch city after Britain left the European Union with Brexit, and said it was “extremely concerned” by the Amsterdam authorities' proposal submitted this week.
The EMA says the new center could jeopardize the safety of its employees, especially those who work late at its offices, located in Amsterdam South – the city's first choice of location for the project.
Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the red light district in the city center to clean up Amsterdam's image as a 'sin city' and to respond to complaints from residents about petty crime and noisy tourists in the area.
On Monday, city leaders said they had chosen Europa Boulevard on the southern edge of Amsterdam's main business district for the new “Erotic Center.”
Amsterdam's plan to move prostitutes in the red light district to an erotic center outside the city has been greeted with anger by the European Medicines Agency
The agency had moved from London to the famous Dutch city after Britain left the European Union with Brexit, and said it was “extremely concerned” by the Amsterdam authorities' proposal submitted this week. In the photo: the EMA office in Amsterdam
The proposal will be presented to the municipal council early next year.
“The EMA is very concerned about the impact of the decision on the environment, as the proposed location for the Erotic Center is in close proximity to the EMA building,” the medicines watchdog said about the choice.
The location is 800 meters from the head office and close to residential areas.
The Europaboulevard, on the edge of Amsterdam's main business district, was one of three options for the erotic center. There would be 100 rooms for sex workers, as well as restaurants, sex theaters, clubs and restaurants.
“The agency will continue to closely monitor the decision-making process,” it said, adding that the concerns it raised earlier this year “still persist.”
The city's plans also face opposition from locals, who do not want the new center on their doorstep, and from sex workers.
They feel like they are being used as a scapegoat for the criminals and the crowds surrounding their neon-lit stalls, currently in the famous red-light district of De Wallen.
Europa Boulevard was one of three possible locations for the erotic center, which would have 100 rooms for sex workers, allowing authorities to close as many brothel rooms in the city center.
The project could take seven years to complete.
On Monday, Amsterdam city officials named a new location in the south of the Dutch capital as the preferred location for an “erotic center” outside the city, in a controversial plan to move the city's Red Light District from its current home in De Wallen. (photo)
Mayor Femke Halsema (photo, archive photo) wants to uproot the red light district and move it from the city center to a purpose-built center, with the aim of getting rid of Amsterdam's image as a 'sin city' and at the same time reducing the number of tourists and tourists. petty crime in the region
Tens of thousands of people have signed several petitions opposing this measure and instead calling for better crowd control and increased police surveillance in the De Wallen district, especially at night.
Mayor Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, with the neon-lined windows in canal houses where sex workers wait for clients.
“The Europaboulevard in the South district is the most suitable location for the new Erotic Center,” the Amsterdam city council announced the proposal.
“This choice will now be presented to the city council early next year,” it added in a statement, expecting it to take seven years to open.
'Finding a location for an erotic center is a difficult task. Due to the enormous growth of tourism, the old city center, and in particular the Red Light District, has been under pressure for years.' the city government added.
'The windows of the erotic center will only be located inside the building. In this way we want to combat tourist tourism and keep disruptive groups at a distance.'
Relocating the red light district is one of Amsterdam's efforts to transform its image as a party capital.
The EMA says the new center could jeopardize the safety of its employees, especially those who work late at the office, which is located in Amsterdam South – the city's first choice of location.
It has also launched a 'stay away' campaign to discourage stag and hen parties and boozy tourists, causing a stir in Britain after the council said it would target British men aged between 18 and 35.
Last month the city announced plans to step up its campaign to drive away partying tourists after the first attempt met with limited success.
An online campaign should show a different side of Amsterdam, with art and culture and stories of 'real Amsterdammers'.
The council is expected to discuss the proposals early next year and it could take around seven years to build and open the erotic centre.