Context according to the answers of the questionnaires
The neighbourhood is described as a nice place to live rather than a place to visit.
There is more or less everything needed for everyday life (parks, health centers, schools, small shops, supermarkets, restaurants, sport facilities, clothing,…) although not correctly distributed within the neighbourhood. Even if the neighbourhood is considered as far from city center, there are good connections to reach it.
However, the offer is considered as poor in terms of quality (old fashion) and for leisure (bars/restaurants, art), especially for the young generation.
The population profile is multicultural, families, with medium to low incomes. Neighbourhood’s gentrification seems possible (artistic dimension with Fallas workshop, touristic pressure in city centre pushing low-middle class population into the neighbourhood) but not already in process.
The answers given by the respondents show their very unique and specific realities as small business owners and they lack of vision, a bigger picture. It implies we don’t see through these answers a wide neighbourhood’s pride and general momentum to get involved.
Opportunities and threats
| Opportunities The key opportunity seems to convert this « old-fashioned » neighbourhood into THE place to live thanks to fresh air: Population’s diversity Complete the current offer: leisure for young generation and also include art support, tourism, restauration, take aways from other cultures, 3D printing, recycling,…Implement new technologies into existing services Long term public investments especially in urban planning and mobility |
Threats Some clichés to overcome The neighbourhood’s identity has to be built alongside the changes to come. These changes need to be driven by the overall vision developed for the district. The communication has to focus on neighbour’s positive aspects to help the conversion of the neighbourhood’s image in a positive way. Las Fallas’s dependance -> the future has to be imagined/designed in respect of traditions. |
Conclusion
Considering the current traditional commercial offer, there is an interest implementing an incubator to promote new complementary services and introduce new technologies in existing businesses.
Another way could also be to implement a specialized incubator in creative industries, combining local heritage, new technologies, young people and the energy carried out by the local diversity. For synergy other leverages of the economy should best be also developed such as long term public investments in urban planning and mobility.
Whatever the chosen option(s), the future incubator(s) should embody this vision for a renewed identity, a broader sense of purpose and a fresh hope for the inhabitants and their neighbourhood.
socialeconomyproject.com 