Contribution and challenges of private investment in the revitalization of Jijel's Colonial Center (Algeria)

The rapid urbanization in Algeria, driven by substantial demographic growth and rural migration, has resulted in the neglect of historic city centers in favor of suburban areas. However, since the 2000s, a growing awareness has prompted urban revitalization and building renovation initiatives, primarily in major cities like Algiers, Oran, and Constantine. Meanwhile, older districts in small and medium-sized towns have been left to deteriorate, lacking appropriate renovation projects. Urban management authorities tend to enforce regulations without adopting a holistic approach to urban planning. In Jijel, a town located in northeastern Algeria, a specific colonial center has experienced rapid deterioration, despite its relatively young age, due to unique circumstances. The limited involvement of the public sector has paved the way for private investment. Property developers have played a pivotal role in the renovation, focusing on collective housing projects complemented by ground-floor commercial spaces. This study aims to analyze the role and impact of private investment on the colonial center, with a specific focus on the exclusivity of this investment and its effects on attractiveness and revitalization.