Dechanatstrasse in Bremen: Green conversion for more climate protection!

Dechanatstrasse in Bremen: Green conversion for more climate protection!

The day of the redesign of Dechanatstrasse in Bremen was heralded with a celebratory ceremony on September 12, 2025. Mayor Andreas Bovenschulte, Senator for Construction, Mobility and Urban Development Özlem Ünsal and Senator for Environment, Climate and Science Kathrin Moosdorf were among those present. The redevelopment, which is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, is part of a comprehensive plan to improve the city's resilience to heavy rain events.

Dechanatstrasse will not only fit into a modern cityscape, but will also offer a more appealing quality of stay. The removal of the old cobblestones and the introduction of new street furniture and greenery will create a space that will benefit both pedestrians and cyclists. The aim is to create safer routes, especially for students at the nearby St. Johannis School. The new cycle road, which is intended to improve cycling networks, will in future lead individual motorized traffic as a one-way street out of the city, thus offering more safety for all road users.

A pilot project for the future

The redesign of Dechanatstrasse is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it also functions as a pilot project as part of the federal funding program “Sustainable Inner Cities and Centers”. This is an important step towards sustainable urban development. Senator Moosdorf emphasizes the need for climate protection and adaptation to changing climatic conditions. The measures to unseal areas and decentralize rainwater management are intended to better mitigate the consequences of heavy rain events. These steps will not only increase traffic safety, but will also sustainably improve the microclimate in the city center, which should overall benefit the quality of stay.

The construction period is scheduled for the period from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, and the estimated costs for the conversion are around 1.38 million euros, of which the city of Bremen will cover around 50 percent. The location of Dechanatstrasse between the old town and the Schnoorviertel should not be neglected, as it is close to tourist attractions and listed buildings, which gives it additional importance.

Climate impacts in focus

Adaptation to the consequences of climate change is not just a local political issue - science is also intensively addressing this matter. According to the Federal Environment Agency, there are various approaches to collecting and presenting climate information that is important for municipalities. Information about climate change probabilities based on different scenarios enables a better understanding of future challenges.

With the redesign of Dechanatstrasse, Bremen is becoming a pioneer in the practical application of innovative climate impact adaptations. By using modern urban climate models and taking various climate projections into account, the aim is to create a more livable and future-proof inner city. In an innovative approach, not only the infrastructure but also the quality of life of citizens should be secured in the long term.