Bringing Communities Together for Sustainable Change

On 22 May 2025, we had the unique opportunity to explore one such transformative initiative: the Centre of Sustainable Life, a local result of the Interreg We Make Transition! project. Nestled in the heart of Tampere, this initiative shows how communities and authorities can come together to forge new paths toward sustainability.

A Platform for Sustainable Living

There’s something truly transformative about witnessing the power of collaboration in action, especially when it leads to tangible changes in how we live and interact with our environment. In the “We Make Transition!” project, public authorities collaborate with civil society on social and ecological initiatives, co-creating changes in areas such as consumption, mobility, energy, and social life. The Centre of Sustainable Life offers a range of low-threshold activities designed to bring people together, regardless of their background. From community gardening and second-hand markets to art exhibitions and repair workshops, the centre supports a sustainable lifestyle that embraces reuse, sharing, and creativity. Whether you’re a young child playing in the garden or an elderly resident enjoying an art workshop, the space is open to all. It is a place where people can disconnect from the pressures of modern, consumption-driven society and reconnect with nature and each other. Local authorities and civil society actors agree that the centre is an essential part of Tampere’s journey toward more inclusive and sustainable urban living. By offering a place for interaction, creativity, and learning, the centre fosters a sense of community that is often lost in the urban environments of today.

Co-Creating Change Through Transition Arenas

The heart of We Make Transition! lies in its innovative approach to sustainability: The Transition Arena. This methodology brings together local authorities, civil society, and small businesses to co-create visions for a more sustainable future. In Tampere, this approach has resulted in a shared vision for sustainable urban living, which is now taking shape through concrete actions at the Centre of Sustainable Life.

The We Make Transition! project has implemented transition arena processes in 12 locations across the Baltic Sea region, covering a range of topics from circular economy and sustainable food to biodiversity and sustainable mobility. Each arena workshop is a collaborative effort to create pathways toward a more sustainable future, which culminates in a transition agenda, where participants agree on concrete steps and shared responsibilities. The Centre of Sustainable Life is just one of the many successful outcomes of this process, serving as a pilot for other cities looking to transform underutilised spaces into power hubs.

Empowering Communities

The impact of the We Make Transition! project is about empowering people—transforming mindsets, creating partnerships, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

The project recognizes that sustainability is not only about technical solutions; it’s about transforming societies at every level. The We Make Transition! transition arenas encourage dialogue between local authorities and civil society. It’s about rebuilding trust, sharing knowledge, and working together toward common goals. As Tuomas from Blockgarden, one of the businesses currently based at the centre, aptly put it, the project is “muutoksen mahdollistajat,” or “enabling change.”

Click on the photo to view the gallery

The Ripple Effect of Cooperation

The success of the transition arena process has inspired others in the region to explore similar models. The workshop results are already being integrated into local sustainability strategies, ensuring that the project’s impact will continue long after it has ended. As the study visit came to a close, the sense of shared purpose was palpable. Walking through the gardens and art covered rooms, it was clear that this project more than a pilot is a real blueprint for the future of urban living.
This study visit, which was part of the Programme Conference 2025, was a perfect example of the magic of Interreg: when people from all walks of life come together to co-create change, the possibilities are endless.

Don’t miss!

More recent news