Heritage and Community Regeneration in Northern Ireland: Finding Points of Coalescence in the Development Planning Process

ABSTRACT

Bringing heritage resources to the forefront in communities can serve to help heal long-standing divides with impacts not only in economic dimensions, but also social and cultural. It is an ironic turn—some of the heritage resources in Northern Ireland have been the site of intense and violent conflict over long periods of time—and now serve as focal points for bringing together divergent groups, helping heal divisions in communities. Seventeen communities throughout Northern Ireland are examined, gauging impacts and perceptions of community regeneration and redevelopment processes. Results provide insights for addressing lingering conflict and finding points of coalescence, with heritage playing a role in transformation.

KEYWORDS:

• Community regeneration
• cultural aspects of development
• heritage planning
• peace
• redevelopment

Acknowledgment

Many thanks are due to the Heritage Lottery Fund Office in Northern Ireland for their assistance and willingness for the author to serve as a visiting researcher. Appreciation is due to the US Fulbright Commission for funding the visit, to the UK Fulbright Association for assistance, and to the University of Ulster. Finally, a great measure of appreciation is owed to the community leaders and program participants across Northern Ireland for their participation in the study.