Square hosts to support the businesses at Hässle torg

Bostäder i Borås is employing its own tenants to make Hässle torg feel safer. The jobs are a pilot project meant to create better conditions for the businesses on the square. The hope is that the presence of the square hosts will invite more people from Hässleholmen into the public space.

- We see the need for more adults being present on the square, says Genc Avdiu, development manager at Bostäder i Borås. The shop owners who rent our premises have asked for more support from us, the police and the city to create a safer environment. As a housing company we are now trying out employing tenants who live in the area, to improve the conditions for the businesses on the square. If the shops do well, the square becomes a more attractive place for everyone to spend time in.

The square hosts will work in pairs in the afternoons and evenings during November and December. They are there on weekdays and at weekends until the shops close. If the pilot project gives good results, the hope is that the work will continue in the future.

- The people we have employed have wide networks and know many other people in Hässleholmen, says Genc Avdiu. They are seen as role models and have the ability to create a calm atmosphere around them. The challenges for the businesses often involve young people shoplifting or causing trouble, and there we believe that the presence of adults will make a big difference.

Urban Gustavsson, pastor at Brokyrkan, which also has its premises at Hässle torg, agrees.

- It is incredibly welcome and very positive that something concrete is being done to support the businesses and to make residents and others dare to spend time at Hässle torg again, he says. A deliberate adult presence is important so that young people with a criminal agenda do not make the square ”theirs”. Hopefully this will help make Hässle torg a lively place where both children and adults feel at home and safe.