Community & Urban Development
Creating spaces for people
Artel31 specialises in community-first civic developments and creative public-realm designs that breathe new life into communities and neighbourhoods.
We partner with local authorities, developers, community organisations, charities, national funding bodies and creative industries to deliver architecture that is thoughtful, regenerative, and inclusive.
Some of our Urban Development Projects
Krowji Container Studios
The Krowji Container Studios, Redruth redevelopment is a standout example of urban regenerative architecture and community-focused design, expanding Cornwall’s largest creative hub.
This project delivers high-quality cultural and creative space design using repurposed shipping containers, supporting local artists and makers.
With emphasis balanced between the external collaborative spaces and the studios while maximising sustainability, the scheme enhances access, connectivity, and collaboration within the local creative economy.
Chippenham Climbing Centre
The Chippenham Climbing Centre, Wiltshire, is a purpose-built community leisure space and public realm designed to promote wellbeing, connection, and active lifestyles.
As a sustainable new build community space, the centre includes a café and climbing facilities, rentable community space, a new play area, picnic zone and skate park.
It won a number of local and regional awards for its regeneration and public realm enhancements.
Mangotsfield Folly
Mangotsfield Folly, Bristol, was a temporary community art space and public realm design project by Artel31, situated at the disused Mangotsfield railway station on the Bristol–Bath Railway Path.
Developed in collaboration with charity Sustrans and funded by Arts Council England and Emersons Green Town Council, the project exemplifies environmentally conscious design through its use of reclaimed materials, plastic- and cement-free construction, and commitment to minimal environmental impact.
Serving as a platform for a year-long programme of creative commissions, Mangotsfield Folly fostered community engagement and artistic expression, transforming a neglected space into a vibrant cultural landmark, bringing art to the suburbs.
Union Road Development
The Union Road Development is a vibrant example of urban regeneration architecture, transforming a derelict garage site into a thriving mixed-use development.
Designed with a focus on public realm design and placemaking, the scheme includes creative studios, independent eateries, a flexible venue and event space, and a communal area complete with a bespoke ping pong table.
As architects for creative hubs, we created a space that fosters connection, creativity, and everyday interaction—bringing energy and purpose back to this urban corner.
Projects included in the scheme; Number 5, Number 7 & The Container
What We Do
We lead civic and heritage-sensitive regeneration projects that reinvigorate urban areas, repurposing old sites for modern living, working, cultural, or community engagement.
Environmentally conscious design is core to Artel31. From regenerative schemes to low-impact urban realm and community hubs, we design structures with sustainability, resilience and re-use at their heart.
We specialise in crafting spaces for creativity to thrive—from artist studios and climbing centres to cafés, event venues and workspaces that invite connection and catalyse further change.
Our collaborative design approach places local voices at the heart of the process, ensuring spaces are truly built for and by communities, consultation is a fundamental part of designing these schemes.
We’ve worked with partners at all levels from national government and funding bodies to small local charities. We aim to bring more than we cost and often work on a discounted rate to allow great design to enter forums which may otherwise struggle to achieve it.
Let’s Create Something That Brings People Together
Got a space with potential? From public realm strategy to the design of creative hubs, we bring practical insight and creative solutions that make complex urban sites work harder—and feel better.