Revitalising Deva’s Historic Centre: Turning History into a Living, Breathing Urban Space

By project FutureECOS

Published on 02 July 2025

Romania

Vest

Deva

About this good practice

The project was developed as a local success model for sustainable urban regeneration, integrating green mobility, energy efficiency, heritage protection, and smart city technologies to improve the quality of life in the historic centre of Deva. Launched and completed in May 2023 the project fully rehabilitated and modernized 15,601 m² of pedestrian areas transforming the space into an attractive, accessible, and socially vibrant area for both residents and tourists. The project also created 2,600 m² of new green spaces, significantly improving the urban landscape and increasing green areas by over 30%. To support sustainability, the public lighting system was replaced with energy-efficient installations, reducing energy consumption. All aerial utility cables (electricity, telephone, and internet) were placed underground, improving the aesthetic and safety of the area. The project also introduced new street furniture alongside telescopic pillars that allow traffic restriction, creating safer pedestrian zones. A smart parking system was implemented to manage car access efficiently and promote eco-friendly mobility. A great attention was given to environmental protection and heritage preservation. A total of 38 old trees were carefully preserved, with five officially declared natural monuments, securing the local natural heritage. This project stands as a balanced and replicable example of how historical urban centres can be sustainably, inclusively, and smartly revitalized.

Resources needed

The project had a total value of 4.4 million Euro, with 3.69 million Euro funded by the European Union. It was implemented by the Municipality of Deva - a team of municipal and regional experts, alongside contractors and technical consultants, within the Regional Operational Program 2014–2020.

Evidence of success

The project increased green spaces by over 30%, creating a more attractive, green, and accessible urban area. Heritage trees were carefully preserved, adding natural and cultural value. The revitalized centre became a stronger tourist attraction and a vibrant social hub, encouraging community events, social interaction, and outdoor activities. These changes significantly improved the quality of life for residents and turned the area into a lively space appreciated by both locals and visitors.

Potential for learning or transfer

This project can easily be adapted and transferred to other small and medium-sized cities with historical centres in need of revitalization. It stands as a clear example of how European funds can be used effectively to support integrated urban development that balances modern infrastructure with heritage preservation. The approach combines smart technologies, sustainability measures, and active community involvement, showing that such interventions can bring visible improvements to both the city’s image and the quality of life of its residents. The solutions used, such as LED lighting, smart parking systems, and underground utility cabling, are standard, affordable, and accessible, making them easy to replicate in other cities. Another key strength of the project is its flexibility: it can be scaled up or down and adjusted to fit the specific needs of different local contexts, offering a practical model for sustainable and people-centred urban transformation.