Towards developing a cultural and creative quarter: Culture-led regeneration of the historical district of Rasht Great Bazaar, Iran

This research attempts to examine the contribution of culture-led regeneration approach through the determination of policies and strategies to develop a cultural & creative quarter in a case of the historical district of Rasht Great Bazaar (RGB) at the city-centre, where is the main place of food creativity and pertinent Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs). According to methodology, relevant literature through a critical review of academic papers is examined to develop a theoretical framework and to assess the case study through mixed-method research. Aimed at evaluating related measures regarding cultural quarters including cultural regeneration and economic impacts, tourism, and socio-cultural vitality, this study structures the development procedure into four categories: cultural setting, local CCIs, cultural and creative tourism, and cultural infrastructure to present a systematic overview of the regeneration process. To suggest proper land-use for RGB, a questionnaire, SWOT analysis and a systematic process encompassing objectives, strategies and policies are employed in this paper. Results of the questionnaire and the survey revealed that considering different economic-cultural and social aspects of local CCIs and the city’s characteristics in the implementation of cultural development strategies are needed to regenerate the derelict Rasht Bazaar’s spaces and to reach the desired outcome.