Urban Foundry
Urban Foundry is a Swansea-based Certified B Corporation creative regeneration agency delivering urban design, placemaking, evaluation and pop-up market projects to Welsh public sector bodies, universities, and third-sector organisations across Wales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersSwansea, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Urban Foundry does
Urban Foundry is a Swansea-based creative regeneration agency founded in 2004, operating as a Certified B Corporation registered in England and Wales as URBAN FOUNDRY LTD. The company delivers urban regeneration, placemaking, evaluation, community engagement, and Theory of Change services to public sector clients — principally Welsh Government, local authorities (City and County of Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Monmouthshire), Natural Resources Wales, the Arts Council of Wales, and Welsh universities (Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David) — alongside third-sector organisations such as the BIG Lottery Fund, WCVA, the Wildlife Trusts, and various arts and mental health charities. Notable commercial engagements include the Office of the Wellbeing Future Generations Commissioner Theory of Change support contract (2023), Welsh Government-commissioned best practice guides for markets and meanwhile spaces, Green Infrastructure training with Natural Resources Wales and Swansea Council, and feasibility/evaluation work supporting the redevelopment of Albert Hall Swansea.
The firm generates revenue through three streams: (1) bespoke consultancy and project management services delivered via competitive tender to public sector clients, (2) directly operated social enterprises under affiliated entities Swansea Bay Street Markets Ltd. (Uplands Market, Marina Market) and Canolfan Ltd. (HQ Urban Kitchen, PopUp Wales, Unit Nineteen) generating stall and venue fees, and (3) grant-funded programme delivery, including PopUp Wales which is funded by Swansea Council through Welsh Government Transforming Towns monies. Pricing is project-based and quote-driven rather than published. GTM is sales-led through public sector tendering, supplemented by reputation-led referrals within the Welsh regeneration ecosystem. The company does not operate a technology platform; its competitive offering rests on practitioner experience operating its own markets and venues, specialist Theory of Change facilitation, and a portfolio of nationally cited placemaking publications. Recent strategic moves have extended the business into environmental infrastructure delivery (Swansea City Centre raingardens) and Welsh national-level governance advisory work.
Urban Foundry firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Urban Foundry
- Legal name
- URBAN FOUNDRY LTD.
- Website
- https://urbanfoundry.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Urban Foundry is a Swansea-based Certified B Corporation creative regeneration agency delivering urban design, placemaking, evaluation and pop-up market projects to Welsh public sector bodies, universities, and third-sector organisations across Wales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Urban Foundry industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Urban Regeneration Consultancy
- akta.pro primary industry
- Sustainable Cities, Urban Development & Green Infrastructure (BPADALAL)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities) (BPAIANAJ)
Keywords
Where Urban Foundry is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Swansea
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Urban Foundry business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Consultancy and project management services: The company provides bespoke business support, project management, evaluation, and consultancy services to public sector clients, local authorities, universities, and third sector organizations. Services include strategy development, community engagement, feasibility studies, evaluation, and programme support.
- Social enterprise operations: Urban Foundry operates social enterprises including street markets (Uplands Market, Marina Market) and pop-up/meanwhile spaces. These generate revenue through stall fees and provide a vehicle for urban regeneration outcomes.
- Grant-funded programmes: The company secures and delivers grant-funded programmes on behalf of government bodies, with PopUp Wales being funded by Swansea Council with Welsh Government Transforming Towns funds.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Urban Foundry product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Urban Foundry is a creative regeneration agency delivering urban design, placemaking, evaluation, community engagement, and pop-up/meanwhile space projects. It operates social-enterprise street markets (Uplands Market, Marina Market) and the PopUp Wales initiative, while providing bespoke consultancy and project management services to Welsh public sector bodies, local authorities, universities, and third sector organizations.
Product overview
Urban Foundry operates as a creative regeneration agency offering a portfolio of distinct initiatives and services focused on urban revitalisation and community development. Core offerings include PopUp Wales (converting empty units into vibrant spaces for businesses), street market operations (Uplands Market, Marina Market), green infrastructure projects (raingardens, GI training), and community engagement programmes. The company also provides consulting services including Theory of Change development, community consultation, feasibility studies, project evaluations, and grant application support. Several initiatives operate as semi-independent social enterprises including HQ Urban Kitchen and PopUp Wales venues managed through Canolfan Ltd.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- PopUp Wales PopUp Wales transforms empty commercial units into vibrant temporary spaces that benefit small businesses, start-ups, and local communities. It works with local authorities and landlords to revive town centres by creating environments where people can collaborate and new businesses can develop.
- Uplands Market Monthly artisan street market showcasing Welsh producers, handmade items, and fresh food. Activates public spaces, creates community gathering points, and operates as a social enterprise generating revenue through stallholder fees.
- Marina Market Street market in Swansea operated alongside Uplands Market as part of the Swansea Bay Street Markets social enterprise administered by Urban Foundry, featuring around 50 regular stallholders.
- Green Infrastructure Training Green Infrastructure-focused training programme covering living walls, green roofs, rain planters, and sustainable drainage systems, designed to build local capacity and supply chain for delivering and maintaining green infrastructure.
- PopUp / Meanwhile Space Best Practice Guides Commissioned-by-Welsh-Government best practice publications covering street markets and pop-up/meanwhile spaces in empty shops, available as downloadable guides for practitioners and policy makers.
- Unit Nineteen Temporary multi-purpose events space created in a disused nightclub in Swansea, hosting Street Food Fridays, live music, exhibitions, workshops, and wellbeing activities to diversify the late-night economy area.
- HQ Urban Kitchen Venue space operated by Urban Foundry's social-enterprise subsidiary Canolfan Ltd., supporting food, hospitality, and community programming alongside the PopUp Wales initiative.
- Urban Regeneration & Placemaking Consultancy Bespoke business support, project management, evaluation, and consultancy services covering urban regeneration strategy, placemaking, community engagement, feasibility studies, and programme support for Welsh public sector clients.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% of Uplands and Marina Market shoppers were only in the area because the market was on; most spent £10-20 in local shops (new spend in local economy)
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Urban Foundry
Customer profileNamed customers30 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Urban Foundry technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Urban Foundry partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Welsh GovernmentcoreWelsh Government commissioned Urban Foundry to develop award-winning best practice guides for both street markets and pop-up/meanwhile spaces in empty shops, as part of Covid recovery response. Urban Foundry participated in SW Wales regional town centres group meetings convened by Welsh Government officers. As a result of their work, Welsh Government's Transforming Towns funding now incorporates provisions for markets and pop-up measures.
- Natural Resources WalescorePartnered with Natural Resources Wales and Swansea Council on Green Infrastructure training programme, funded by UK Government Community Renewal Fund. The partnership designed and delivered 11 training sessions for 176 attendees, aiming to create a local supply chain for delivering and maintaining green infrastructure. Also collaborated on Swansea Eastside Connections strategy and raingarden installations.
- University of Wales Trinity Saint DavidcoreSuccessfully helped University secure £1.1m funding as lead body for South West Wales Arts in Education Network. Also worked on Albert Hall feasibility study, evaluation projects, and arts strategy development.
- Quadrant Shopping CentrecoreBecame partner in 2021 to deliver events throughout the year alongside ReTHINK PR and Marketing who manage marketing and communications. Delivered diverse calendar of events including Coronation Tea and Cake, Easter Egg Hunt, Disney Princess Day, St David's Day, and pop-up park initiatives.
- Office of the Wellbeing Future Generations CommissionercoreSelected through competitive tender in early 2023 to provide Theory of Change support. Facilitated workshops to help shape strategic direction for the Office under new Commissioner Derek Walker. Built capacity of team to use Theory of Change in broader work.
- Swansea CouncilcoreOngoing partnership across multiple regeneration, placemaking, and community projects. PopUp Wales funded by Swansea Council with Welsh Government Transforming Towns funds. Collaborated on Green Infrastructure training, raingardens, City Chill events, and Swansea Opportunities Hub.
- Swansea Bay Street Markets Ltd.coreAffiliate organization (social enterprise) administered by Urban Foundry. Operates street markets including Uplands Market and Marina Market, which feature around 50 stallholders regularly.
- Canolfan Ltd. (HQ Urban Kitchen and PopUp Wales)coreSocial enterprise operated by Urban Foundry, including HQ Urban Kitchen venue and PopUp Wales initiative. PopUp Wales transforms empty units into vibrant spaces for small businesses, start-ups, and local community.
- Swansea BIDminorPartner on Unit Nineteen pop-up events space Street Food Friday initiative, sponsored as part of work to enhance Swansea's early evening economy.
- Swansea UniversitycoreSupported delivery of Oriel Science exhibition in empty retail unit, liaising with partners, raising sponsorship, overseeing outfit and exhibition. Also conducted Institute of Life Science 2 evaluation.
- The Morris EstateminorProvided urban design input and advice for Pantlasau Farm high-end residential development. Attended development meetings, conducted community consultation, and developed detailed design code.
- Natural GroundcareminorInstalled raingardens as part of Swansea City Centre sustainable drainage project.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Urban Foundry competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- HemingwayDesign: Creative regeneration consultancy designing and delivering place-making, town centre and community programmes across the UK. Similar boutique, creative-led regeneration model with public sector clients.
- Create Streets Foundation: Think-and-do tank focused on high street regeneration, planning reform and community-led placemaking across the UK. Overlaps with Urban Foundry on regeneration advocacy and local-authority engagement.
- Public Practice: UK-based placemaking consultancy that places built-environment professionals into local authorities to support regeneration. Directly comparable as a small, public-sector focused placemaking agency operating across UK regions.
- We Made That: London-based urban design and research practice working on regeneration, high streets and town centre strategies for public sector clients. Closely comparable in offering community-rooted regeneration and placemaking consultancy.
- Futurecity: UK placemaking consultancy advising on cultural infrastructure, town centre regeneration and stakeholder engagement for local authorities and developers. Comparable as a placemaking-first consultancy serving public and quasi-public clients.
- Karakusevic Carson Architects: Architecture and urban design practice specialising in council-led estate regeneration and public sector housing delivery. Comparable as a small specialist firm delivering regeneration projects for local authorities.
Broad incumbents
- Arup: Global design, engineering and consulting firm with substantial urban planning, regeneration and placaking capabilities. Operates in the same sector but as a broad incumbent rather than a niche regeneration specialist.
- LDA Design: Larger UK landscape and urban design consultancy working on regeneration, masterplans and public realm across the UK. Operates in the same space but at materially greater scale and breadth than Urban Foundry.
- Allies and Morrison: Major UK architecture and urbanism practice with significant placemaking and regeneration portfolio. Overlaps with Urban Foundry's urban regeneration work but as a large multi-disciplinary incumbent.
Emerging players
- The Glass-House Community Led Design: UK charity supporting community-led placemaking and design with public sector partners. Smaller scope and reach than Urban Foundry but operates in the overlapping community engagement / regeneration niche.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Urban Foundry social profiles
Digital presenceUrban Foundry financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Urban Foundry leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Urban Foundry subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Urban Foundry funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Urban Foundry M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Urban Foundry
What does Urban Foundry do?
Urban Foundry is a creative regeneration agency delivering urban design, placemaking, evaluation, community engagement, and pop-up/meanwhile space projects. It operates social-enterprise street markets (Uplands Market, Marina Market) and the PopUp Wales initiative, while providing bespoke consultancy and project management services to Welsh public sector bodies, local authorities, universities, and third sector organizations.
Is Urban Foundry a public or private company?
Urban Foundry is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Urban Foundry founded?
Urban Foundry was founded in 2004. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Urban Foundry based?
Urban Foundry is headquartered in Swansea, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Urban Foundry make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Consultancy and project management services are the primary driver. The others are social enterprise operations and grant-funded programmes.
Who are Urban Foundry's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are HemingwayDesign, Create Streets Foundation, Public Practice, We Made That, Futurecity and Karakusevic Carson Architects. Broad incumbents are Arup, LDA Design and Allies and Morrison. The Glass-House Community Led Design is listed as an emerging player.
Does Urban Foundry have an API?
No public API is recorded for Urban Foundry.
What industry is Urban Foundry in?
Urban Foundry's product category is Urban Regeneration Consultancy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADALAL, Sustainable Cities, Urban Development & Green Infrastructure, with a secondary code of BPAIANAJ, Smart Cities & Urban Innovation Programs (Digital Planning, Civic Tech for Cities).