A new vision for city centres: Lessons from the Sparks project

Karimnia, Elahe; Virani, Tarek

Abstract

This interim evaluation report delves into the innovative ‘meanwhile use’ of urban spaces, a critical response to the revitalisation challenges faced by high streets, amidst financial austerity and the changing landscape of retail and cultural consumption. ‘Meanwhile use’ refers to the temporary use of empty buildings or land, often in the form of pop-up shops and cafes or community spaces. This report focuses on Sparks Bristol, a project that exemplifies the potential and complexities of temporary adaptations of space in the current economic climate, highlighting the initiative’s drive towards sustainability, creativity and circular economic practices. As high streets evolve beyond traditional retail towards experience-driven and community-focused spaces, projects like Sparks Bristol are emerging as key players in this transformation. They serve as community anchors, not only filling vacant shopfronts but also fortifying community welfare and contributing to the socio-economic fabric during uncertain economic times. This report aims to understand the dynamics of the Sparks project by putting the voices of those managing and utilising these spaces at the forefront of detailing important aspects of their work in order to measure their impact effectively. ©Jon Craig 66 regeneration takes a turn with Sparks Bristol, which has adapted the iconic Marks and Spencer (M&S) building in Broadmead (Bristol city centre) to serve as a hub for artists, education and sustainability, resonating with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative, underpinned by an amalgamation of loans, grants and sponsorships, demonstrates the delicate dance of balancing operational costs while fostering an inclusive community. It underscores the importance of adaptable and appealing spaces in building a community from the ground up in central urban areas. Moreover, Sparks contributes significantly to the environmental agenda by advocating waste reduction and repair, crafting an ecosystem of partnerships across various sectors, illustrating the tangible social and economic benefits of meanwhile use. For Bristol’s art sector Sparks has become a key player, providing essential space and exposure to a diverse range of artists and collectives, nurturing a fertile arts community and driving cultural development, all of which are essential components of a vibrant arts ecosystem. The report concludes by reflecting on the Sparks project as an exemplar of the transformative capacity of meanwhile use in urban spaces. Its impact on the high streets and arts sector of Bristol demonstrates the necessity for ongoing support and policy attention to initiatives that combine community engagement, cultural production and sustainability ©Jon Craig in urban regeneration. Importantly the Sparks project, while ambitious and transformative, faces significant challenges related to resources, governance, space adaptation, balancing public and private interests, responding to wider retail and consumer trends and managing building conditions and legal constraints. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, innovative thinking and a commitment to the project’s core vision of sustainability, education and community engagement. The Sparks interim evaluation, with its participatory action research approach, offers an active, engaged analysis, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses both qualitative and quantitative data to inform broader urban regeneration policies and practices.

• Report Type: Research Report
• Deposit Date: Sep 27, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 27, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/13010694
• Related Public URLs: https://sparksbristol.co.uk/