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Revitalizing Cultural Heritage
Zeche Zollverein demonstrates a success story in culture and tourism, not just because it successfully registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site, but because of the clear values shared amongst the city’s inhabitants, the integrated approach between heritage and urban planning, and the city’s efforts to develop strategies which largely depended on stakeholder collaboration. Political will to engage the public was highlighted as one of the major factors of the success. Involving integrated thought and accepting the city’s diversity, embracing the conflict between the various involved parties, was another key success factor. This shows that for communication and successful public participation, transparency is essential. Lastly, the change from being a large industrial site to a multi-cultural innovative and diverse site and the public’s patience with this was very important.
In summary: Challenge: Transformation of an industrial site to a “place for the future” and for culture Strategy: Convince the city (represented by the council) and other interested parties Lesson: Patience and sufficient time allowance is a key factor in planning, as well as the need to make reliable decisions at the right time Transfer to Kota Tua: Do what you are able to do within your own responsibility