Creative reuse driving revitalization in a post-industrial town

Repurposing former industrial sites to creative uses (so-called 'creative reuse') contributes to both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability, as it maintains the existing building stock. Creative reuse may also have positive impacts on the site surroundings. This study explores the prerequisites, functioning, and consequences of creative reuse in a small post-industrial town in Sweden. We engage in a qualitative case study method, with interviews, observation, photographs, and written documents as our data sources. The studied case is a former ceramics factory adapted for creative and collaborative use. We find that the case has a restorative effect on the local town and its inhabitants through tourism activities and street art. Furthermore, the case employs immigrants and other individuals with difficulty entering the job market, creating an inclusive community. Finally, the focal actors have a strong do-it-yourself attitude, and wish to nurture a sense of ownership of the space. The users are taught to do minor repair and renovations themselves, instead of procuring professional facility services. The findings can act as inspiration for public officials and real estate developers in post-industrial towns struggling with vacant spaces. Meanwhile, end-users from the creative industries could apply the learnings also in other types of collaborative spaces.