Revitalisation of the Old Township of Ipoh, Malaysia

Purpose – This paper aims to propose a direction for rejuvenating the declining Ipoh Old Town through a conservation-based approach. Design/methodology/approach – Recommendations for revitalisation are based on comparison between the local government's development proposals and historical study of revitalisation initiatives undertaken in neighbouring countries. Findings – The review has found that the revitalisation of Ipoh should be more towards servicing the needs of its residents than to gain from tourism development. Practical implications – Findings of the review have blurred the distinction between purist and ameliorist stances of conservation and suggest that the policy development should be a partnership of all stakeholders, vested with powers to implement. Originality/value – This paper provides an insight into urban regeneration for smaller, more local-dependent historic towns.