Officials in Amsterdam have named a location in the Dutch city's south as the preferred site for an out-of-town "erotic centre", in a controversial plan to move away from its famed red light district.
Mayor Femke Halsema wants to uproot the 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" has been found to be "the most suitable location for the new Erotic Centre," the city's executive said.
"This choice will be now presented to the city council early next year," it added in a statement, saying it expects it to take seven years before the centre can open.
Ms Halsema has long opposed the centuries-old red light district, known as De Wallen, with its neon-lined windows in canalside houses where prostitutes 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, which would have 100 rooms for sex workers.
But the city's plans have been opposed by locals who do not want the new site on their doorstep, as well as prostitutes who feel they are scapegoats for the criminals and crowds who visit the area.
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 the UK after the council said it would start by targeting British men aged 18-35.
Last month, the city announced plans to ramp up its campaign to shoo away hard partying tourists after the first effort met limited success.
A new online campaign will aim to show a different side of Amsterdam, featuring art and culture, as well as stories of "real Amsterdammers".
