Bottrop in Focus: What Changed in February 2026

From Street Art to School Safety: Bottrop in February 2026

What Was Important This Month

• New Street Art Project "Graffiti.With.Attitude": The city of Bottrop has approved the pilot project, which will artistically design the western wall of the Central Bus Station (ZOB) and areas around the Saalbau.
• Prevention Program "Verrückt? Na und!" at Bottroper Schools: The project to promote mental health at three schools was decided and will be implemented by the association Irrsinnig Menschlich e.V.
• Children and Youth Support Plan 2026–2030: The plan was approved in its presented form and provides for an annual budget of €2,214,400.
• Speed Limit 30 at Night on Horster Straße: The city of Bottrop is implementing a temporary speed reduction until the road is renovated in 2029.
• No Focus on Intercultural Promotion in 2027: The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration will not set priorities for the following year and plans to make the decision in 2026.

Street Art Becomes Part of Urban Design

The Cultural Committee has officially approved the street art project "Graffiti.With.Attitude." The artistic design of the western ZOB wall by the artist Sponk is part of a broader plan to develop the areas around the Saalbau. The organization responsible for the project will cover the costs for planning, implementation, and maintenance for at least five years. The goal is to create a creative alternative to illegal graffiti while simultaneously presenting a visual image of urban development – from a mining town to a modern, open city. Children and youth are involved in workshops and participation formats. The documentation and exhibition of the projects will take place both analog and digital, to sustainably accompany the artistic development.

School Safety: "Verrückt? Na und!" Becomes a Reality

The Youth Parliament and the School Committee jointly decided to launch the prevention program "Verrückt? Na und! – Mentally Fit at School." The program will be implemented at three Bottroper schools (Heinrich-Heine-Gymnasium, Vestisches Gymnasium, Willy-Brandt-Gesamtschule) starting in 2026. The association Irrsinnig Menschlich e.V. leads the project and is supported by a three-day on-site workshop (€4,000), funded by a donation from Sparkasse Bottrop. The city also covers the material costs and provides a coordination office. The goal is to strengthen mental health and resilience among children and youth.

Children and Youth Support Plan: Long-Term Investment in the Future

The Children and Youth Support Plan 2026–2030 was approved in its presented form. With an annual budget of €2,214,400, the plan is a central building block for Bottrop’s development. The plan was developed with the participation of children, youth, independent youth services, and municipal agencies and takes into account social, legal, and political challenges. Financial security is guaranteed until 2030, enabling the implementation of long-term projects and initiatives. The plan is a dynamic working instrument that can also be flexibly adapted to changing conditions.

Traffic and Safety: Speed Limit 30 at Night

As part of a temporary measure, the speed on Horster Straße between Ostring and Aegidistraße has been reduced to 30 km/h. The measure is valid only during the night hours and is planned until the full renovation of the street in 2029. The implementation costs amount to €10,000 one-time and €51,000 annually. The goal is to calm the traffic flow and increase the safety of residents.

Integration and Promotion: No Focus for 2027

The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration has decided to not set any priorities for intercultural promotion in 2027. Instead, the decision will be made in 2026. Grants for intercultural projects remain limited to a maximum of €7,000 – projects with collaborations can receive up to €1,500, and those without up to €750. The decision remains financially neutral and aims to provide flexibility in funding.

Cross-Topic Insights: Urban Development and Participation

Central themes in February 2026 were participation, sustainability, and creative urban development. The street art project and the prevention program show how Bottrop combines creative and social initiatives. At the same time, the Children and Youth Support Plan is proof of a long-term investment in the city's future. The decisions show that Bottrop not only reacts but also actively shapes the future – with youth, artists, and partners from civil society.

Conclusion and Outlook

February 2026 was marked in Bottrop by clear decisions, creative projects, and long-term planning. With the street art project, the prevention program, and the Children and Youth Support Plan, the city has set important priorities. The coming months will show how these projects are implemented and what impact they will have. It is expected that Bottrop will continue to develop creatively, socially, and sustainably in the coming years.