Granby Park

The park was created from up cycled, recycled, donated and found materials, bringing together artists, event coordinators, architects, performers, creatives and local volunteers. Almost 400 volunteers and 1,100 supporters helped deliver the project, which was visited by 40,000 people. It demonstrated an alternative model for vacant urban sites and showed the potential of citizen led meanwhile use.

The Dubfast Theatre formed a central element of the park. Designed as a 300 person open air amphitheatre, it was built from more than 1,300 pallets, a readily available waste material that could be assembled and demounted quickly. Its construction involved architects, engineers and young people from Dublin and Belfast, using making as a means of collaboration and exchange.

The project also carried a wider social ambition. By engaging young people from communities affected by deprivation and sectarian tension, it created a platform for identity, dialogue and cross border partnership. Granby Park’s short life made its impact more powerful, proving that temporary public space can generate civic energy, cultural activity and new relationships within the city.