Grassroots way of doing things – Creative reuse of an industrial heritage site in southern Sweden

Several ongoing societal transitions, including urbanization and digitalization, may entail adverse impacts to existing buildings and communities. One challenge is obsolescence caused by demographic shifts and deindustrialization. Adaptive reuse tackles building obsolescence and contributes to a circular use of the existing building stock. This study aims to establish how the creative reuse of an industrial heritage site impacts place-attachment and community social capital. As we explore a phenomenon in its real-life context, a qualitative case study method was deemed appropriate. Our case is a former ceramics factory in Southern Sweden, which has been adapted to an arts centre. Our data sources comprise interviews, written accounts, and observations during a site tour. We find three main processes 1) the preserved building and its characteristics contributing to place attachment; 2) empowerment developing through self-provision, and; 3) engagement and integration activities bonding social capital. First, the case employs immigrants and other individuals with difficulty entering the job market. Second, the focal actors have a do-it-yourself attitude and aspire to learn by doing, instead of procuring professional property management services. Finally, the case has enhanced the vitality of the small town and its inhabitants through art tourism and a street art gallery.