Revitalisation of the Old Township of Ipoh, Malaysia

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a direction for rejuvenating the declining Ipoh Old Town through a conservation-based approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Recommendations for revitalisation are based on comparison between the local government's development proposals and historical study of revitalisation initiatives undertaken in neighbouring countries.

Findings

The review has found that the revitalisation of Ipoh should be more towards servicing the needs of its residents than to gain from tourism development.

Practical implications

Findings of the review have blurred the distinction between purist and ameliorist stances of conservation and suggest that the policy development should be a partnership of all stakeholders, vested with powers to implement.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into urban regeneration for smaller, more local-dependent historic towns.

Citation

Wee Lim Hew, W., Yoon Kin Tong, D. and Guan Gan Goh, G. (2014), "Revitalisation of the Old Township of Ipoh, Malaysia", Journal of Place Management and Development, Vol. 7 No. 1, pp. 57-73. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMD-05-2013-0015