An attractive, safe and accessible Tomelilla center

With collaboration and commitment, Tomelilla created a safer and more vibrant environment throughout the municipality.

The project aimed to create a more attractive, safe and accessible environment, both in the Tomelilla urban area and in the villages. Since the municipality lacked a unified actor for city center development, the aim was to establish a structure for how the municipality, in collaboration with businesses, civil society and residents, could create more vibrant environments. The working method would focus on commitment and participation. The project would also result in a report to disseminate methods and experiences further.

Representatives from different community groups formed a coordinating steering group. An annual wheel of activities was developed in dialogue with residents, businesses and associations and through workshops with village groups, young people, New Swedes and pensioners. Several large events were arranged, such as an autumn party, a cultural night and Christmas signage. Smaller activities, such as flea markets, film screenings and Easter celebrations, were also carried out. Market tables and stalls were purchased for loan at the events. Safety walks and meetings with property owners were organized to improve safety in the center.

The project led to more activities, meetings between different age and community groups and a strengthened cohesion in the municipality. Traditional events such as Easter celebrations and Christmas signage were established. The commitment among residents and businesses increased, which created a long-term basis for continued development. Safety was improved through more activities and better lighting in public environments, and the 2024 results in the municipality's safety measurement showed the best result in several years. The steering group continued its work after the end of the project to ensure that the activities were sustainable and that the cooperation between the municipality and the residents was maintained. A report was produced to guide other municipalities in similar work, and the annual wheel was established as a continued planning structure.

A good project idea, with an anchored cross-sectoral collaboration. The project can lead to making the center of Tomelilla and its surrounding areas more vibrant, as well as promoting safety and creating attractive living environments for all residents of the municipality and visitors.