Meanwhile and Placemaking Consultancy
At Market Curators, we transform empty sites and underused buildings into lively destinations that people want to visit.
Our meanwhile and placemaking projects bring fresh energy to vacant high street units, transforming heritage buildings into cultural spaces, and activating regeneration sites with markets, food halls, and events. Each project creates immediate benefits while paving the way for long-term change.
Strategy and Feasibility
Strong temporary projects start with clear insight. We explore local demand, demographics and trading conditions to make sure the meanwhile use adds value and supports long-term goals. Every project is designed to work on its own terms while also laying the groundwork for permanent change.
Services Include:
Feasibility and Viability Studies
Business Case Development
Ownership and Delivery Models
Demographic Analysis
Market and Leisure Research
Regeneration and Placemaking Advisory
Design and Planning Support
Meanwhile and placemaking projects need smart, adaptable design. We work with architects and creative partners to make sure layouts are practical, welcoming and flexible enough to evolve. By bringing in our trusted professional network to collaborate with our in-house design team, clients gain a ready-made team capable of delivering turnkey solutions quickly and effectively.
Services Include:
Space Planning
Architectural Services (RIBA 1–7)
Professional Team Integration
Temporary Market or Food Hall Design
Event and Activation Planning
Stakeholder Engagement and Governance
Community buy-in is essential for successful placemaking. We lead engagement with residents, traders, cultural partners and local authorities to shape projects that feel relevant and inclusive. Governance models and agreements are then put in place to keep everything on track.
Services Include:
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Trader or Operator Agreements
Legal Implications and Advisory
Delivery and Implementation
Bringing a space to life takes careful coordination. We help refine concepts, curate operators, and deliver events and programming that attract people from day one. Our team also supports soft launches and promotions to make sure projects have a lasting impact.
Services Include:
Concept Creation and Implementation
Tenant and Operator Curation
Events and Promotions
Launch Strategies
Mobilisation Planning
People and Training
Turnkey Market Development Management
For clients who want a complete service, we can manage meanwhile projects end-to-end. That includes strategy, design, trader recruitment and activation, all delivered through our multidisciplinary expertise. Clients benefit from a full turnkey solution that gets spaces working quickly and effectively.
Services Include:
Full Project Management
Multidisciplinary Development Delivery
Outsourced Turnkey Solutions
Operational Support
The real impact of placemaking comes with consistency. We provide ongoing management, lettings support and operational guidance, as well as programming, entertainment and community outreach. Every customer touchpoint is considered, ensuring the project continues to add value until longer-term plans are finalised.
Services Include:
Operator Brokerage
Operational Guidance and Support
Market and Event Letting
Management Teams
Business Planning
Place and Space Integration
Why Market Curators?
Market Curators have a proven track record of turning vacant or overlooked spaces into destinations that deliver. Our experience spans the UK and Europe, creating immediate benefits for communities while paving the way for long-term regeneration.
End-to-end expertise
Support through every stage, from strategy and feasibility to activation and ongoing operations.
Hands-on delivery
We don’t just create plans, we bring projects to life on the ground.
Proven regeneration impact
Our meanwhile and placemaking projects increase footfall, energise spaces and support local businesses.
Community focus
We work with local authorities, developers, and communities to create projects that are inclusive and relevant.
Championing independents
By curating independent traders, operators and creatives, we help build distinctive, characterful places.
Practical insight
Our experience as operators means we know what it takes to keep projects running smoothly.
Latest projects
Crewe Market
A project between Cheshire East Borough Council and Market Asset Management Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.
Darlington Market
A project between Darlington Borough Council and Market Asset Management (Darlington) Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.
Doncaster Wool Market
A project between City of Doncaster Council and Market Asset Management (Doncaster) Ltd. an operating subsidiary of The Pioneer Market Group Ltd.
Talk to Us About Your Next Project
Let’s talk about how we can help bring your space to life through meanwhile use or placemaking.