From predicament to reconnection: stakeholder perspectives on the revitalization of a historic church building

This study explores stakeholder attitudes and meanings associated with the renovation of a listed historic sacral building, bridging heritage studies and environmental psychology. It examines how diverse actors, including religious community members, local residents, and future users, relate to a transforming site: the former Slovak Lutheran church in Budapest, Hungary. Once central to its community, the building has long remained hidden and neglected within a high-density urban residential block. Its planned revitalisation marks a new chapter in its complex history. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews identified four main themes: attitudes towards the church building, relation(ship)s, identity, and the future. A common subtheme across all was the (lack of) community. These reflect how the church embodies unresolved historical trauma, institutional decline, and the desire for renewed social ties and cultural identity. While perceived as neglected and burdensome, it is also seen as a potential space for social cohesion and a symbolic home for Slovaks in Hungary. Respondents highlighted concerns about transparency, feasibility, and sustainability. The study underscores the importance of inclusive heritage practices that engage with affective and relational socio-physical dimensions beyond expert-based criteria. Findings offer transferable insights for heritage projects in complex socio-political contexts, emphasising participatory planning and transdisciplinary collaboration.