Creative clusters as transformational ways of the urban environment and a tool for enhancing the city's tourist attractiveness (on the example of St. Petersburg)

The article examines the specifics of formation and functioning of creative clusters as a creative economy pillar. The interpretation of the creative cluster as “third place” in the concept of the American sociologist R. Oldenburg is presented. The Creative Cluster is seen as the hub of the city's business and cultural life. The most successful and actively developing clusters in St Petersburg include “Novaya Gollandiya”, “Sevkabel Port”, “Bert-gold Centre” and “Nikolskie Ryady”. The role of these locations in preserving historical and cultural heritage, enhancing the urban environment and developing the tourist potential of the city is presented. The characteristics of cluster activities under the constraints imposed by the coronavirus pandemic are examined. The directions of state support and prospects for the development of creative clusters in the Russian Federation are outlined.