Do we want full control? Preferred level for participation in Laleh-zar historic revitalization projects

Purpose This research aims to examine the appropriate level of public participation for revitalizing Laleh-zar, a historic street in Tehran. Despite its cultural significance as the city’s former intellectual hub, Laleh-zar is now dominated by electric retail businesses that are reluctant to engage in participatory processes. This study addresses the gap in understanding how participation can be effectively structured in these constraints. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative case study of Laleh-zar used semi-structured interviews with 34 individuals working in the area, and sampling continuing until saturation. Thematic Analysis was used to identify themes, analyzed within a theoretical framework developed through a critical review of relevant academic literature, comparing participation levels with urban planning theories from a participatory perspective. Findings Findings indicate that while the local community acknowledges Laleh-zar’s historical value and supports the preservation of its cultural and tourism functions, their preferred level of participation remains within tokenism, limited to receiving information and providing feedback. Notably, there is a gap between the roles citizens express interest in compared to the roles they are willing to undertake. Moreover, a key barrier to deeper participation is the community’s distrust in the main administrative body, which limits engagement in decision-making processes. Originality/value This study challenges the assumption that higher levels of participation are always ideal. By examining Laleh-zar, it highlights the importance of aligning participation strategies with community capacities and experiences. The findings contribute to sustainable urban heritage management by emphasizing trust and realistic participation frameworks.