ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the role and challenges of citizen participation in urban regeneration programmes using the example of Trondheim in Norway. The aim is to explore the ‘how’ of urban regeneration programme implementation, broadly drawing on research on planning and the front end of projects. Focusing on the Trondheim area development programme of urban regeneration, the chapter discusses the actors, aims and arenas, broadly defining participation practices in that case. The chapter argues that citizen participation can complement (but not replace) the established traditional institutions and processes of the planning regime by engaging a broader pool of voices and interests in the planning process. While participation can help enhance local community capacity and the organisational capability of the implementing bodies, it is not without its challenges, including (a) the way the identity of ‘the citizen’ is defined, (b) the framing of the discussion about the future that may or may not have a place to accommodate the actual citizens and (c) the assumption that citizens are available to participate. The chapter concludes by discussing the strategic challenges of choosing the appropriate extent of participation in an urban regeneration scheme and of consistently following through the participation process.
