Culture-led regeneration and participation: Experiences from the Margit Quarter

Abstract

This paper contrasts the literature on traditional culture-led urban development and participatory processes in urban planning, and illustrates their interactions through the Margaret Quarter programme in the 2nd District of the Hungarian capital city, Budapest. The paper seeks to synthesise the top-down urban development ideas and the bottom-up demands of civil society organisations and social movements through an in-depth analysis of the programme. A complex development strategy was launched in the district, where local government and communities are working closely together to revitalise the area. The research aims to explore how involving local communities can contribute to the sustainable development and resilience of our cities.

Beginning with a critique of top-down cultural policies, the study focuses on the mechanisms of bottom-up urbanisms, and subsequently details the implementation and challenges of the Margit Quarter project. This initiative is unique in that it aims to revitalize the district on a modest budget, relying heavily on broad-based community involvement, city branding strategies and on emphasizing the importance of public spaces and local culture. The research is based on 16 semistructured in-depth interviews with representatives from the local government, civil organizations, local businesses, and experts involved in the planning process.

The findings demonstrate that the Margit Quarter initiative can create new opportunities for local communities and can strengthen local identities. The initiative was built around three main pillars: shifting the area's profile, enhancing walkability and renovating the infrastructure, with a special focus on preserving cultural heritage. This can be achieved through strategies such as offering municipal properties at reduced rents to entities providing cultural and community functions, fostering an inclusive and dynamic urban environment.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of integrating cultural and community dimensions into urban development strategies to create more liveable and resilient cities. The findings can contribute to the growing body of literature on culture-led urban regeneration and provide valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners seeking to promote more inclusive and equitable urban environments. The Margit Quarter initiative illustrates that effective 21stcentury urban development is small-scale, environmentally conscious, and deeply rooted in local needs, with active participation from local groups. This approach has the potential to increase trust in local governance, advance participatory democracy, and create more resilient urban districts, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.