The international URBACT network We Create Space officially launched

Ostrava has become the first Czech city in history to lead an URBACT Transfer Network, confirming its growing role in European urban cooperation.

From local good practice to European inspiration

The We Create Space programme in Ostrava enables residents, neighbourhood groups and local initiatives to actively participate in improving public space like parks, courtyards, streets. Beyond physical transformation, the programme strengthens trust between the city and its citizens, supports civic engagement and encourages shared responsibility for urban development. Over 7 years, 65 projects were supported with nearly €800,000, 86% of which remain active beyond the sustainability period. 

Through transnational exchange, expert guidance and pilot activities, partner cities will design and test their own locally adapted grant schemes focused on community involvement and public space quality.

Lucie Baránková Vilamová, Deputy Mayor of Ostrava, stated: “Every year, we see how much creativity, energy and commitment exists within our communities. We Create Space is not only about improving courtyards or streets; it is about building trust between the city and its residents. We are proud that, thanks to URBACT, this good practice can now inspire other European cities.” She added: “For the first time, Ostrava is leading a major international urban network. We see this as both a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to more vibrant and sustainable cities across Europe.”

Strong European partnership

The network brings together the following partners: Koszalin (Poland), Métropole Rouen Normandie (France), Pescara (Italy), Granollers (Spain), Bucharest – District 6 (Romania) and Niš (Serbia). The partnership is supported by URBACT Lead Expert Daniele Terzariol (Italy), who will guide the network’s exchange and learning activities throughout the project duration.

The kick-off meeting in Ostrava gathered around 30 urban practitioners, experts and political representatives. The programme included a detailed presentation of the Ostrava grant scheme, partner city introductions and study visits to selected community-led projects supported by the programme. Participants had the opportunity to meet local community leaders and gain first-hand insight into how the initiative works in practice.

Three phases towards implementation

The project is structured in three interconnected phases. The first phase was focused on ensuring transparent project management among all partner cities. Via this international meeting in Ostrava, the second phase has started, and it centres on learning and adaptation, with partners exploring the Ostrava grant model, including its design, evaluation process and approach to community involvement. Within the third phase activity will move to local implementation, where cities will test and adapt selected elements of the scheme together with local stakeholders to improve public spaces and strengthen citizen participation.

As Lead Partner, Ostrava – together with Lead Expert Daniele Terzariol – will conduct study visits to each partner city. These visits will help tailor the transferred good practice to specific local contexts and prepare the final project outputs.

The We Create Space network will conclude in April 2028, contributing to stronger citizen participation, revitalised public spaces and reinforced cooperation among European cities.

Further information is available on the project website, or on the pages of the municipal programme Tvoříme prostor.

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Boilerplate
We Create Space is an URBACT Transfer Network that builds on a proven participatory grant programme implemented in Ostrava (Czech Republic). It enables residents to create public spaces themselves using funds from the city budget.

Co-financed by URBACT, the project transfers this approach driven by communities to partner cities Koszalin (PL), Pescara (IT), Granollers (ES), Bucharest District 6 (RO), Niš (RS) and Métropole Rouen Normandie (FR) to strengthen bottom-up, sustainable and inclusive urban development across Europe.

About the We Create Space grant programme

Ostrava's well-proved grant programme We Create Space enables residents and informal groups to co-decide on part of the city budget and co-create public spaces. Over 7 years, 65 projects were supported with nearly €800,000, 86% of which remain active beyond the sustainability period. The City of Ostrava launched the We Create Space programme to achieve the strategic goals of the Ostrava City Strategic Development Plan to promote community life and involve citizens in the development of the city. The programme was created with experts' and citizens’ input, to empower citizens to take co-responsibility for a part of the city. It has been slightly modified over the years, to reflect experience and feedback.

Programme proposals are assessed by a six-member expert committee, in three rounds to provide feedback so that applicants can improve their projects. Successful projects include