THE IMPACT OF HERITAGE-BASED DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN CITY CENTERS ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES THE CASE OF UQBA BIN NAFI AREA DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, AS-SALT

Abstract

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed agreements with the World Bank, Japan and other donor countries to conduct development projects in historic city centers, including As-Salt Historic City Center Development Project, which included the demolition of modern buildings constructed in the sixties and the seventies of the last century. This incorporated the demolition of Uqba Bin Nafi school, an international style hybrid built in 1960, in addition to the demolition of surrounding modern commercial buildings, known as Uqba Triangle, in order to create open urban spaces and some services. This project has attracted criticism from local residents and shopkeepers.Consequently, this paper raises several questions<1. What is the impact of this project on the local community, functionally, economically and culturally?2. Is the project responsive to the needs and priorities of the local community?3. To what extent did the local community participate in the demolition decision and other aspects of the project? Are they satisfied with the project?4. Did Oqba Bin Nafi' school hold significance and value to the local community thus warranting its conservation rather than demolition?This paper uses a multi-method approach, utilizing statistical analysis, ethnography, and historical methods. The enquiry bases its critique on conservation charters and modern heritage theories, and tackles the status quo through questionnaires, interviews and field observations.The results emphasize the need to have an urban development strategy for the city so that urban heritage conservation projects are part of such a development strategy that is rooted in a community-based vision. This current project-by-project approach leads to projects that are not responsive to the needs of the city and its people. Consequently, the recommendations emphasize the importance of public participation in order to meet people’s needs and achieve better satisfaction.This paper brings to attention the negative urban consequences of the demolition of modern heritage buildings. Often considered nonessential within the historic fabric, the results caution against the undermining of the values modern buildings hold or their role in the urban structure.Finally, the study emphasizes the significance of having a multi-disciplinary team, including economists, social workers, planners and architects. It is important not to overlook the economic and social feasibility of the interventions, and avoid the fixation on the aesthetics of the urban setting to prevent similar negative impacts on the local community