Heritage Perception and Identity Construction Among Residents in Industrial Community Transformation: A Case Study of National Creative Park, Nanjing, China

In recent years, China's deindustrialisation and reliance on land-based fiscal policies have posed significant challenges to the industrial transformation and urban regeneration of traditional industrial zones. Redeveloping abandoned industrial sites, such as through industrial tourism and creative office spaces, has become a priority for many renewal projects. To achieve both economic and cultural goals, industrial heritage sites often rely on constructing and reconstructing master narratives to create branding strategies that attract external visitors and investment. However, this process frequently marginalises the community residents who once lived and worked in these industrial zones. These residents, who lost institutional support following the closure of state-owned enterprises, face dual unemployment challenges and identity loss in deindustrialisation.
This study examines the redevelopment of the National Creative Park (NCP) Industrial Heritage Site in Nanjing, tracing its evolution from an essential factory in the Jiangnan region during the Qing Dynasty to its closure in 2011 and subsequent transformation into a significant creative office hub. Using qualitative methods, the research analyses master narratives across different historical stages to identify the dominant discourse shaping the site's branding as a development project. Additionally, in-depth interviews with various types of community residents—including retired workers, laid-off workers, displaced households, and new users—were conducted to evaluate their sense of place attachment and perceptions of industrial heritage. The findings construct a "community narrative" that contrasts with the official discourse.
The study reveals the dynamic interactions and differences between master and community narratives during the redevelopment of industrial heritage sites within the broader context of industrial restructuring and urban renewal. It highlights the complexity of community residents' perceptions and argues that these perspectives should be incorporated into the framework of industrial heritage conservation. Moreover, the study emphasises the importance of considering residents’ views in ensuring the sustainable development and harmonious integration of industrial heritage sites with their surrounding environments.