Can Communities Turn Neglected Spaces into Thriving Places?

Have you ever walked past a neglected alley or an empty lot in your neighborhood and wondered, What if this space could be something more? In many places, communities are stepping up with a sense of responsibility to reclaim and improve the spaces where they live. One such inspiring case is a once run-down alley in Middlesbrough, a disadvantaged neighborhood that residents transformed into a lush urban oasis filled with food-producing plants and flowers. Initiated by a single resident and funded by a grant, this project gathered momentum as more people joined in, proving that small actions can lead to long-lasting change (Duell, M., 2013).

Why Did This Project Succeed?

The success of this alley transformation lay in four key factors: community engagement, the initiative of a dedicated resident, funding, and long-term commitment. First, engaged residents led the way. Second, funding kick-started improvements. Third, collective effort ensured long-term success and community ownership. This aligns with Wates (2014), who highlights that while governments often lack sufficient resources to address all local issues, local communities can provide additional resources essential to meeting their needs.

How Can Urban Designers Support Such Initiatives?

Urban designers play a crucial role in inspiring and facilitating community-led projects. The Neighborhood Design Center (NDC) in Baltimore provides a compelling example of how participatory design can support urban regeneration. From 1968 to 2000, NDC helped communities revitalize underused spaces through design workshops and strategic planning. However, as their experience showed, sustaining such projects requires long-term funding, land ownership rights, and structured community involvement (López Garrido, G. J., 2022). Urban designers can address these challenges by advocating for policies that grant communities legal control over spaces they improve, securing stable funding for projects, and fostering stronger partnerships between residents and municipal authorities.

A Collaborative Model for Community-Led Urban Regeneration and Investment

A successful example of community-driven urban regeneration is the transformation of the ‘Promprylad’ factory in Ukraine. This former Soviet industrial site was reimagined as a center for innovation, art, and community activities. Local activists and entrepreneurs initiated the project by leasing the space, later purchasing it to secure long-term control. Unlike NDC in Baltimore, Promprylad ensured sustainability through a unique financial model. Private investors, including local businesses and individuals, provided capital while the project retained its social mission. A portion of profits was reinvested into community initiatives, creating a self-sustaining cycle. Many investors also became tenants, ensuring lasting engagement. (Zelinska, T., 2019) This model demonstrates how urban regeneration can achieve financial independence and long-term success, turning neglected spaces into thriving community hubs.

While urban regeneration projects can succeed with varying elements, the combined presence of community leadership, long-term support, funding, and land ownership greatly enhances their chances of enduring success.

References

• Duell, M. (2013). Gardening? It’s right up our alley! Community transforms Victorian passageway behind homes into oasis of greenery. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2397899/Community-transforms-Victorian-passageway-Middlesbrough-homes-oasis-greenery.html (Accessed: 08/03/2025)
• López Garrido, G. J. (2022). Baltimore and the Neighborhood Design Center. Participatory approaches to urban design under conditions of urban shrinkage (1968–2000). Journal of Urban Design, 27(6), 649–668. https://doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2022.2086111
• Stevens, Q., Leorke, D., Thai, H. M. H., Innocent, T., & Tolentino, C. (2023). Playful, portable, pliable interventions into street spaces: deploying a ‘playful parklet’ across Melbourne’s suburbs. Journal of Urban Design, 29 (2), 231–251. https://doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2023.2227099
• Wates, N. (2014). The Community Planning Handbook. Second edition. Routledge, London.
• Zelinska, T. (2019) “Promprylad.Renovation”: how a Soviet factory is turning into a modern business cluster (PHOTOS, VIDEO). Available at: https://galka.if.ua/promprilad-renovaciya-yak-radynskiy/ (Accessed: 17/03/2025).

Image references

• North News & Pictures Ltd. (2013) Rundown: Neighbouring alleys such as this one in Middlesbrough, Teesside, are still scruffy. This is only a few streets away from the beautiful back alley garden. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2397899/Community-transforms-Victorian-passageway-Middlesbrough-homes-oasis-greenery.html (Accessed: 08/03/2025).
• North News & Pictures Ltd. (2013) Beautiful: The once-dingy lane in Middlesbrough, Teesside, is now a haven of hanging baskets, trellises and trees bearing apples and pears, thanks to a pensioner. Available at: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2397899/Community-transforms-Victorian-passageway-Middlesbrough-homes-oasis-greenery.html (Accessed: 08/03/2025).
• Unknown Author. (2019). Untitled photograph. Available at: https://galka.if.ua/promprilad-renovaciya-yak-radynskiy/ (Accessed: 17/03/2025).