Tracing and tracking the impact of a contemporary marketplace: the case of Āgenskalns Market

The transformation of traditional neighbourhood markets into multifunctional community centres is an instance of creating inclusive, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing spaces that serve multiple functions beyond their primary intended purpose. This paper looks at the multifunctional approach taken in the Āgenskalns Market renovation project in Riga, Latvia and explores how such transformations can impact community well-being and social inclusion, while also highlighting the need for methodological creativity to ensure that impact can be adequately captured. The paper argues that, despite their limitations, the data suggest that a multitude of changes have taken place, and the relative importance and impact of the market appears to be significant for the health and well-being of local residents. What is more, the study underlines the need to recognise unexpected forms of impact, while simultaneously being prepared to adjust methodological repertoires to avoid imposing ill-fitting metrics upon a complex situation.