Community-led regeneration of urban heritage: exploring the New Patrons principles for heritage management

Purpose The integration of sustainability principles into urban heritage management reframes conventional priorities centred on physical conservation and economic development by bringing socio-cultural considerations to the forefront. In this context, the role of participatory methodologies becomes central to enabling deeper involvement of urban communities in shaping heritage processes. Design/methodology/approach The study employs a retrospective analysis of a practice-based case study in which the principles of the New Patrons approach – using art to regenerate public spaces in response to social needs – were applied in support of a community-led heritage initiative in a peripheral area of Zagreb, Croatia. It focuses on mediation among the key actors involved in the process and the role of the mediator. The findings were thematically analysed and discussed in relation to the literature on heritage, urban planning and urban heritage management. Findings The research highlights the advantages of adopting the New Patrons methodology, demonstrating how the mediator can contribute to more democratic forms of heritage practice. The findings emphasise the importance of incorporating a mediator in participatory heritage management, where they act as a person who identifies the heritage needs of urban communities, raises awareness of participatory opportunities, introduces communities and experts to the methodology and facilitates the process through mediation. Originality/value By offering an in-depth account of the participatory process, the paper contributes to ongoing debates on participatory methodologies in urban heritage management, especially those concerning collaborative and empowering approaches.