Independent Cultural Centres As Amenities in Urban Regeneration

This paper reports results of a research project on 15 independent cultural centres around Europe. These specific sites, promoting culture and arts and related industries, have often acted as ”urban pioneers” in their neighbourhoods, converting spaces considered ”difficult” in size or because they are listed properties. The centres involve combination of different creative actors and action. They are professionally managed, and agree that visionary leadership is essential to succeed. They are usually organised as independent associations, but require acceptance and partnering of cities, often as owners of the properties. However, not all of them are dependent on subsidies, even in the form of land rent, but illustrate other examples how to organise such activity.

The paper discusses the role of independent cultural centres in urban regeneration. The current literature acknowledges both the supportive role of such activities in place-making and providing spaces that the market otherwise does not, but also highlights the paradox that if a development becomes commercially successful, rising rents may lead to their displacement, which eventually also lessens the character of the whole area. This study argues that instead of transitional activity in a particular property, planners should consider independent cultural centres as new kind of civic activity supporting heterogeneity and mix in changing urban areas. This use of vacant spaces should be conceptualised as amenity—non-profitable venue that has broader significance for area’s atmosphere and liveability.