Assessment of brownfield redevelopment opportunities using a multi-tiered approach: A case in Italy

Abstract

The objectives and implementation of environmental remediation and regeneration of brownfield sites have evolved over the years. Today, the intertwining of environmental, economic, and social issues related to the reuse of these sites is more apparent than in previous years; thus, the interconnectedness of these issues is now more considered in the remediation and regeneration of brownfield sites. The implications of environmental remediation and regeneration activities have broadened, leading to different and often contrasting interests among the stakeholders involved in these activities. In this study, we analyzed the role of private and public stakeholders in the remediation and regeneration of a brownfield site in Porto Marghera, Italy (Venice). We also examined the influence of the brownfield's site-specific features on its own remediation and regeneration. By adopting a multi-tiered approach, including, first, a desktop analysis and, second, in-depth interviews and a multi-criteria decision analysis, we identified factors that, if present or improved, could enhance the attractiveness of the area to developers and foster the site's redevelopment.