Hillmannplatz: Light and culture enliven formerly criminal hotspot!

Im Juli 2025 transformiert das Projekt "Tatkraft Hillmannplatz" den Bahnhofsvorstadtbereich durch Sicherheit und Kulturförderung.
In July 2025, the "Tatkraft Hillmannplatz" project transforms the station suburban area through security and cultural promotion. (Symbolbild/MB)

Hillmannplatz: Light and culture enliven formerly criminal hotspot!

Hillmannplatz, 28195 Bremen, Deutschland - Hillmannplatz in the station suburb has gone through an impressive change in recent years. Where crime once dominated, there are now signs of positive development. According to the Weser Kurier, residents and restaurateurs have jointly initiated various measures to increase security and improve the quality of stay. The number of crimes on Hillmannplatz has decreased, which indicates the success of these initiatives.

The measures include the commissioning of a security service and the installation of a temporary police container on site. In addition, video surveillance ensures additional security. These developments are part of the "Tatkraft Hillmannplatz" project, which was launched by City 46 of the municipal cinema Bremen in coordination with residents. It focuses on temporary lighting and space design as well as a small cultural program, which should take place from late summer until winter 2024. The continuation of this project is promoted by the federal program "Future -capable inner cities and centers" (ZIZ), which could represent a real boost for Hillmannplatz.

security situation and current numbers

  • crime statistics:
  • 2021: 500 crimes
  • 2022: 650 crimes
  • 2023: Around 1,000 crimes

The CDU welcomes the planned camera monitoring, but expresses concerns about the need for more police forces, such as Wiebke Winter, deputy parliamentary group leader.

design approaches and urban planning

The development of Hillmannplatz falls into a larger context of urban planning, which is also seen as a preventive measure against crime. As the Federal Center for Political Education discusses in its analyzes, social and structural framework conditions play an important role in connection with crime. There are numerous studies that show that the closer a place is on the city center. Problematic districts are often characterized by an unfavorable social structure and lack of social control.

architect Oskar Newman developed the concept of "protection on space" in the 1970s. His four planning principles aim to reduce crime through targeted design measures. For example, measures such as good lighting and the decentralized settlement of shops should help to reduce the fear of crime in public spaces.

Taking all these aspects into account, Hillmannplatz shows that it can be possible to transform an earlier crime focus into a living and safe place through a joint commitment of residents, restaurateurs and politics. The upcoming events, including a concert and a Silent Cinema between August 16 and 24, offer the opportunity to revitalize the space and present the various initiatives.

The discussion about the continuation of the project after the ZIZ funding expired in 2026 will be dealt with in a workshop in autumn-a step that aims at the permanent positive development of Hillmannplatz and may also inspire other districts.

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OrtHillmannplatz, 28195 Bremen, Deutschland
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