Participation and Communication Support for the Renovation of Main Square in Slovenj Gradec

The City Municipality of Slovenj Gradec has been working for several years to improve the quality of its public open spaces. Drawing on good practices from Slovenia and abroad, the municipality launched the renewal of Main Square as part of a broader process to revitalise the town centre.

The aim is to connect the physical renewal of public space with new activities, programmes and stronger cooperation between the people who shape everyday life in the town centre. This includes residents and visitors, property owners, local businesses, service providers, public institutions and other local stakeholders.

In March 2024, IPoP – Institute for Spatial Policies joined the process as an adviser and facilitator. We supported cooperation between the municipal administration, the architectural team, residents and different stakeholder groups involved in developing the plans for the renewal of Main Square.

Between March and June 2024, we worked closely with municipal representatives and architects to:

• support the development of the town centre revitalisation and public space renewal process;
• strengthen cooperation between municipal departments and local institutions;
• identify and engage key stakeholder groups;
• explore opportunities for new activities and community development in and around Main Square.

Residents and other users of the town centre were involved through individual and group interviews, a public discussion and a thematic workshop with young people. Communication activities also helped open the discussion to the wider local community and explain how the renewal of Main Square forms part of the long-term revitalisation of the town centre.

The main findings and recommendations were presented in a final synthesis report structured around three themes:

1. Town centre revitalisation
2. Urban renewal
3. Parking and traffic management

Client: City Municipality of Slovenj Gradec