High street diversification in precarious times: Exploring arts-and-sustainability-focused meanwhile project (Sparks) in Bristol City Centre

Abstract

This research explores the potential and challenges of temporary use of vacant buildings as an effective strategy for high street premises in the city centres in the Southwest, UK. The potential of introducing new scenarios and reimagination of high streets, for example framing them beyond sites of consumption, is overlooked and not enough researched. Thus, in this research we will analyse the value and impact of Sparks Bristol project, a reuse of the old Marks & Spencer’s building in Broadmead, Bristol City Centre, to become an “innovative hub of sustainability, creativity and education” for the course of one year. The project aims at shifting the narrative of consumption to recycling, repair and educations. In this research, we analyse the dynamic between different stakeholders including landowners, financial supporters, those organising and running the building (Artspace Lifespace and Global Goals Centre), as well as users of space. The paper discusses the challenges of materialising such new scenarios and balancing between financial, spatial and organisational requirements such as affordability of workspaces, public accessibility to different events, and cultural and economic values of repair on high street. The paper highlights the potentials of such scenarios beyond the high street, mostly as a catalyst for reimagination of Bristol city centre and its transformation.