Urban regeneration: from contemplation to enjoyment

The central urban core of Ourém, which includes the “Le Plessis-Trévise” Garden and the Town Square, represents a key area of heritage, environmental, and landscape value within the city’s urban space. It was a highly influential area. This space had become degraded, featuring dissonant and outdated elements that no longer reflected current realities. This contributed to a sense of rejection and aversion towards public spaces between population. The development of a strategic intervention aimed at the requalification and revitalisation of the urban fabric, transforming the area into an environmentally enhanced and renewed space. The goal was to establish it as a driving force for the urban regeneration of the surrounding built environment and to foster a socially and environmentally inclusive space that combats social exclusion. The intent was to encourage effective use of the area by its users, featuring walkable lawns, accessible pathways, inviting rest and social interaction areas, and an overall green space that could be fully experienced and enjoyed.

The rehabilitation of this space improved the quality of life for local residents, reduced air pollution, and promoted direct contact with nature. It also encouraged a variety of activities that foster a direct relationship between health and well-being and the environment. Key strengths of the strategy included enhancing urban heritage, boosting the local economy, promoting sustainable mobility, and creating more inclusive and accessible environments for everyone, offering opportunities for leisure and social interaction.

From the perspective of results it increased demand for use of the space from all types of public: children, adults and older people. Form the impact: it there was a social transformation in that it has become a meeting point for the community, creating a sense of belonging and strengthening social ties among the population, as well as improvement in quality of life, particularly for local residents, through the provision of greater opportunities for outdoor activities and social interaction.

Following the project's implementation, the Municipality sought to further develop the rehabilitated space by leasing three physical areas to economic operators and organizing various thematic activities throughout the year. Events included the Christmas Market, "Música a Gosto" featuring live music on summer evenings, and Education Week, which showcased demonstrations of different sports disciplines by local associations.

Factors contributing to the successful implementation of this strategy included economic considerations, social inclusion, environmental and technological sustainability through efficient resource management technologies (such as water mirrors and LED lighting), and clear public policy objectives. The primary challenge was to meet the expectations of the population effectively.

The strategy proved to be highly successful. A study conducted in December 2024 aimed to measure visitor flow, duration of stay, and the overall impact of the Christmas Market event. The total number of visitors in December reached 75,835, resulting in a daily average of 2,917 visitors. The highest levels of attendance occurred on weekends, accounting for 42% of the total visitors, with significant evening traffic as well, ranging from 31% to 36%. This trend highlights the appeal of the festive lights and nighttime activities.

This strategy can be adapted and replicated in other urban contexts in the EU, as through urban regeneration it is possible to revitalise degraded or lifeless urban centres, making them attractive, not only from an economic point of view, but also from a social, cultural and inclusive point of view through the development of various thematic activities and in different seasonal contexts, for example: Christmas or the summer season.

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