CONSISTENTLY CURIOUS (2022-2025)

Revoe’s Alternative Public Square

LeftCoast and community hub Revoelution developed and delivered the project with Other People’s Dreams (a live action research office within the University of Central Lancashire’s Grenfell-Baines Institute of Architecture/GBIA), led by the former Head of GBIA and Academic Lead for the Architecture and Construction Lee Ivett, and GBIA Lecturers and architectural designers Ecaterina Stefanescu and Sam Eadington.

The project, which is situated on Central Drive in Blackpool, creates a temporary public space on a derelict site that supports and instigates informal gatherings and encounters along with formal community events such as performance, arts, food and markets.

A wide and diverse cross-section of the Revoe community has been involved in the conception, development, and construction of the project with young and old, migrant and settled supporting and working with each other to create a beautiful and inspiring place for people.

Revoe Public Square - two boys performing circus skills on Revoe Fun Day
Photo: Donna Hannigan
Revoe Public Square team putting in last tile on Revoe Fun Day
Photo: Donna Hannigan

In 2025, the project was Commended in the RIBA Journal MacEwen Award, which celebrates projects from across the UK that engage with inclusion, sustainability, communities and health – or contribute to the common good in some way. 

Architect, Lee Ivett, said: “This award is unique in rewarding architecture and design for the common good and we are exceptionally proud that the effort, enthusiasm, and commitment of the Revoe community is being recognised in this way.”

Judge Steve Wilkinson said: “It’s always open, visible and public. It can be active even in passive ways.”

Fellow judge, Robyn Poulson, added: “It feels embedded in the place and can be used for performances, gathering, playing or sitting. It’s a catalyst for further activities and creation.”

Medicine in the Rubble - Revoe's Artist in Residency Jessica Rost

This zine was created by artist Jessica Rost during a six month residency with LeftCoast. Based in the Revoe neighbourhood, Jessica had conversations with residents on the site of the ‘Alternative Public Square’.

What emerged was residents interest in plants for health and wellbeing. Pioneer plants sprouting in the rubble of the knocked down pub, crops grown in Revoelution’s community garden, weeds in cracks in the pavement – what if there was medicine in the rubble?

This zine is a celebration of these ideas, an invitation to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the healing rhythms of nature.