The Role of Public–Private Partnerships in Shaping Inclusive Urban Policy (Mattancherry)
Author : Ar. Srikanth K.S. and Ar. Pattanan Chaiwatmongkhol
Abstract :
Coastal heritage districts such as Mattancherry face a dual challenge: intense redevelopment pressures and the vulnerability of their ecological and cultural systems. Conventional top-down urban projects often fail to reconcile the competing demands of conservation, tourism, and community livelihood. This study explores how Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) can provide an inclusive and adaptive model for sustainable waterfront redevelopment, where responsibilities for design, financing, and long-term management are shared across government, private investors, and local communities. By examining comparative cases, including the Muziris Heritage Project in Kerala and HafenCity in Hamburg, the paper identifies governance structures and design strategies that successfully balance heritage conservation with modern urban functionality. The research employs a comparative analytical method, mapping institutional mechanisms, stakeholder roles, and spatial outcomes to understand how collaborative frameworks can improve resilience and equity in redevelopment processes.
Findings reveal that well-structured PPPs can act as catalysts for social and ecological renewal when they embed public-value clauses, emphasize design-led planning, and promote community participation beyond consultation. The study proposes a Mattancherry Redevelopment Framework that blends the community-centric heritage activation seen in Muziris with HafenCity’s coordinated SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) governance model.
This hybrid approach advocates for phased interventions guided by measurable indicators of public access, livelihood generation, and ecological health. Ultimately, the paper positions PPPs not merely as financial tools, but as vehicles for inclusive urban policy enabling coastal cities to regenerate while preserving the cultural and ecological essence that defines them.
Keywords :
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), Waterfront Redevelopment, Heritage Conservation, Inclusive Urban Policy, Mattancherry.
