The municipality is looking into establishing a small sex work business at Paardenveld parking garage. This would allow sex workers to rent safe workspaces to carry out their jobs legally. Sex work is a recognized profession, and the municipality aims to create more workplaces for sex workers alongside assistance services and law enforcement.
Eelco Eerenberg, Alderman for Spatial Planning and Public Health, stated: “We are working on providing more locations for sex workers in Utrecht. Weve initiated remote working for them and are seeking one or two small venues for sex work in the city. Currently, we are investigating the feasibility of using the Paardenveld parking garage temporarily. We understand this may raise concerns among local residents and businesses, which is why we will hold meetings to discuss this further.”
Temporary Use of Paardenveld Parking Garage
Eventually, the Paardenveld parking garage will be demolished for redevelopment. In 2024, the municipality collaborated with local residents to develop proposals for the temporary use of the garage starting late 2025, focusing on reducing parking spaces while preserving current tenants and increasing activities within the garage.
Consultations with Residents
The municipality plans to hold meetings with local residents and business owners by the end of January regarding the potential establishment of a sex work business as part of the participation process for the garages temporary use.
The municipality will also consult with other stakeholders, including sex workers, entrepreneurs, police, and service providers. Their feedback will be included in the planning for the parking garage. The municipal council is expected to make a decision in the summer of 2025, assessing feasibility, including architectural studies and potential operator interest.
Commissions Recommendation
The push for a small sex work business stems from a recommendation by the Sorgdrager commission, which delivered insights in late 2023 advocating for small-scale sex work businesses and the legalization of home-based sex work, which is now permissible in Utrecht.
For more information, visit Paardenveld parking garage.