Adaptive Reuse, Public-Private Partnerships Key to Heritage Conservation: Report

New Delhi, Jul 27 (PTI) A new report has underscored that heritage conservation must be treated as both a “moral obligation and a strategic investment,” recommending adaptive reuse of historic buildings, greater public-private collaboration, and digital innovation to preserve India’s cultural legacy.

Released during an international heritage tourism conclave at the Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara on July 25, the report — Building Public-Private Synergies for Heritage Conservation — was prepared by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in partnership with KPMG India.

The 28-page report highlights the need to transform static heritage monuments into “vibrant, living symbols of identity” that can drive economic revitalisation, cultural continuity, and community engagement. It cites examples from India and global models in the UK, Spain, and Italy to illustrate successful conservation strategies.

Adaptive Reuse and PPP Models
The study recommends adaptive reuse of old structures into cultural spaces such as cafes, galleries, and museums, pointing to Uttar Pradesh’s PPP-driven conservation projects as a reference model. It also calls for leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding and community outreach to ensure holistic preservation efforts.

Role of Technology
The report stresses the importance of digital preservation tools, suggesting the use of AR/VR for immersive storytelling, smart visitor management systems, and climate-responsive monitoring. Digital inventories, especially for sites vulnerable to climate change or conflict, are deemed essential.

Tourism Potential
With a projected heritage tourism market of USD 57.14 billion by 2033, India’s monuments, forts, temples, and intangible cultural traditions offer massive potential, the report notes. Rising domestic tourism and global interest in experiential and spiritual travel are expected to boost demand.

Challenges Identified
The report warns of persistent issues like inadequate funding, lack of technical expertise, insufficient community involvement, and the complex nature of heritage assets, which often require multi-faceted conservation strategies.