Culture and heritage

A vital element of urban regeneration policies has been a growing use of culture and heritage as a tool. This cultural turn has given greater prominence and importance to the cultural industry and heritage and in particular the city centre where both historic and contemporary culture co-exist. This chapter illustrates some of the structural changes that have taken place in terms of public policies and urban interventions, showing the movement away from public sector-led initiatives to an increasing number of partnerships with the private sector and communities. Originating in the Global North, such policies are travelling globally and being adopted in the Global South; a movement that requires additional attention. Looking to the future role of culture and heritage in shaping the city centre, the chapter discusses some of the challenges, issues, but also opportunities will be encountered by city centres in relation to cultural heritage preservation and management.