“Living Historic Centres”

Search for lead partner

The Municipality of Brežice (Slovenia) is currently preparing a proposal for the upcoming URBACT Action Networks Call 2026 and is looking for European city partners interested in integrated, climate-sensitive and participatory revitalisation of historic city centres.

Working title of the network:
“Living Historic Centres”
Integrated governance and climate adaptation for historic urban cores

The network will focus on practical implementation models for historic city centres facing challenges such as:

1. vacant ground-floor premises and declining local economic activity, 
2. climate vulnerability (urban heat islands, lack of green infrastructure, stormwater issues), 
3. balancing events, tourism and residents’ quality of life, 
4. low citizen participation in decision-making, 
5. underused heritage buildings and public spaces, 
6. limited use of digital participation and management tools. 

The project aims to exchange practices and co-develop small-scale pilot actions (“test before invest” approach), including:

1. temporary green street interventions and tactical urbanism, 
2. participatory governance models, 
3. temporary use schemes for vacant premises, 
4. climate adaptation solutions for heritage areas, 
5. digital participation platforms, 
6. event-resident coexistence protocols, 
7. community-based management of historic city centres. 

Brežice already has sectoral strategic and political frameworks related to sustainable mobility, tourism, heritage and urban development. Through the URBACT network, we would like to strengthen the integrated implementation model for the historic city centre together with European partners facing similar challenges.

We are also flexible regarding the thematic focus and content of the network and are open to further co-development together with project partners.

Brežice is part of the network of historic towns and cities, and the destination has received the Green Destinations Platinum Award, reflecting our long-term commitment to sustainable and responsible development.

At this stage, we are looking for:

1. cities with historic urban centres, 
2. municipalities interested in climate adaptation and community-led regeneration, 
3. partners experienced in participatory governance, temporary use, sustainable tourism or urban greening, 
4. cities willing to test and transfer practical urban solutions. 

The planned network duration is 30 months (2026–2029).

If your city is interested in joining the partnership or discussing possible cooperation, we would be happy to organise an online meeting in the coming weeks.

Kind regards,

Municipality of Brežice and Institute for Entrepreneurship, Tourism and Youth Brežice