The purpose of the project is to improve the social and residential climate in vulnerable districts of the Hague by improving problems caused by youths.

This project originally started in two of the priority districts in The Hague. Since its inception, it has been introduced in other districts as well. The project is characterised by its surprisingly simple and concrete approach. First, there is an exploratory phase in which the situation is clearly sketched out. This is followed by a more comprehensive analysis aimed at finding out how the situation in the square could be improved, using the problem-solving skills of the institutions involved. The municipality wants citizens and youths be involved in this process as much as possible. Thus, it lays the foundations for "healthy" town squares. The challenge of the Town Square Strategy thus is to turn around the feeling that "nobody owns the street" and to instill the notion that "we are all responsible for the street" in both youths and residents.

The project started in 1996 and has a cyclic nature. This means that over time, a number of checks are performed that may trigger new points of action. Each town square project thus has its own time path. The problems with youths are always dealt with in an integrated and interactive manner within a specific area.

The social functions of a number of town squares have been restored and new perspectives have been created for youths. The nuisance caused by youths in these squares has been reduced, so that the lack of safety as perceived by residents has been reduced as well. One other important aspect is that the original function of the public space has been restored.

The municipality of The Hague is carrying out this town square project in collaboration with a great number of partners. Resident organisations play a prominent role, and social work and schools have been called in as well. Building societies, the police and the justice department are also being closely collaborated with. The interactive approach and the cyclic nature of the project are its main characteristics.

The municipality has set aside EUR 544,500 for the project. Additional resources from the so-called "physical pillar" of the Urban Policy can also be requested.

Municipality of The Hague
Mr T. van Daalhoff, tel. +31 70 3535376

01/01/1996

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation