Geography and Urban Research

Analysis of the Economic, Cultural, and Social Outcomes of Urban Regeneration Projects (Case Study: Shahrdari Square Regeneration Project in Rasht)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Ali Akbar Salaripour 1
Arman Hamidi 2
Melika Fadaee 3

1 a. Department of Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

2 b. Department Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

3 c. Department Urban Planning, Faculty of Architecture and Art, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22130/gur.2025.2071510.1032
Abstract
This study evaluates the economic, cultural, and social impacts of the Shahrdari Square regeneration project in Rasht, from the perspective of business owners in the pedestrian zone, as a key municipal initiative to revitalize deteriorated urban areas and enhance quality of life.
Data were collected via 300 Likert-scale questionnaires distributed to business owners and analyzed using SPSS, including one-sample t-tests, binomial tests, and exploratory factor analysis.
Economic benefits scored highly (mean: 3.58), especially in tourist attraction (mean: 4.25), business growth, customer influx, and property value increases. Cultural-social benefits also rated high (mean: 3.44). However, municipal performance (mean: 2.44) and business damage compensation (mean: 1.46) were low, with challenges in owner participation, implementation management, and heritage preservation. Low standard deviations indicate consensus on managerial shortcomings.
The project succeeded in economic revitalization but requires improved owner involvement, financial compensation, heritage preservation, and area recognition for greater satisfaction and sustainability in future initiatives.

Keywords

Citizen Satisfaction
Economic Outcomes
Socio-Cultural Outcomes
Urban Regeneration
Rasht City
Geography and Urban Research
Volume 2, Issue 3
Autumn 2025
Pages 30-45

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