This paper examines the planning movement of ‘tactical urbanism’ that has attracted attention due to its potential to inspire progressive place making. However, the hybrid nature of the politics involved has not yet been unpicked. This paper addresses this gap and then uses this analysis to support a critical, materialist praxis informed by actor–network theory. An experimental case study provides a means of reflecting on this approach. The paper concludes that such co-operative approaches towards system transformation appear to represent the best prospect for developing a resurgent social basis on which to support public services.