Contemporary governance of urban mega- projects: a case study of the Belgrade waterfront

Abstract

The study analyses the decision-making, planning and governance (DMPG) of urban mega-projects (UMPs) and elaborates on it in a case study of real estate financialization by the Belgrade Waterfront Project (BWP). In order to systematize numerous challenges in urban planning and governance that enabled the BWP, various analytical tools are applied. This approach combines the components of qualitative ex-post analysis, critical discourse analysis and stakeholder analysis. The analyses of the legislation and the DMPG related to the BWP indicate: (1) a regulationist state-led process as a ‘top-top’ approach in governance; and (2) the existence of certain controversies in the legal and planning approaches (e.g., lex specialis for expropriation, out-sourcing of planning decisions, a closed fast-track decision-making cycle, and the alienation of public construction land free of charge). It is argued that a combination of top-down political power, international business and limited citizens’ participation shapes the BWP. Finally, an improved approach for governing UMPs is suggested which is based on greater transparency, an improved regulatory and institutional framework, as well as innovation in the urban planning and governance arrangements to facilitate challenges for ongoing UMPs.