We are pleased to announce that twelve applications have been received for the 2026 edition of the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize.

This edition highlights projects that contribute to the regeneration of historic centres by placing habitability at the heart of public action. The submitted initiatives illustrate the diversity of approaches developed by member cities to improve residents’ quality of life while enhancing their heritage.

We invite you to discover all the candidate projects!

Cuenca – Living Heritage: Urban Regeneration Strategy for the Habitability of Cuenca’s Historic Centre

Dubrovnik – Dubrovnik, a Living City

Elvas – Living Heritage: Implementation of the Local Housing Strategy in the Historic Centre of Elvas

George Town – George Town Esplanade Seawall and Promenade

Gimhae – Enhancing the Habitability of Historic City Centres: Gimhae Old Downtown Urban Regeneration Project

Gyeongju – Hwangchon Heritage Circle: A Virtuous Cycle of Heritage and Everyday Life

Harar Jugol – Harar/Jugol Revitalization Program

Kyiv – Regeneration of the Kyiv Reeve’s House

Morelia – Comprehensive Strategy for Habitability and Regeneration of Morelia’s Historic Centre

San Antonio – World Heritage Center: Regeneration of the Urban Environment

San Luis Potosí – Historic Centre: The Heart of San Luis

Vilnius – Vilnius Heritage Conservation Programme 2024–2025
Learn more about the Jean-Paul-L’Allier Prize

Jury Composition

The applications will be evaluated by a jury composed of distinguished professionals recognized for their expertise in heritage, urban development and historic centres governance:

• José María Bellido Roche, representative of the OWHC Board of Directors, Mayor of the City of Córdoba (Spain), and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.
• Yves Gendron, representative of the Advisory Group to the OWHC General Secretariat, and urban planning expert.
• Bonnie Burnham, coordinator of the “Accelerator for Urban Heritage Regeneration”, founder and president of the Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance (CHiFA).
• Walter Debenedetti, representative of the OWHC New Urban Process Steering Committee, special representative for heritage of the Intendant of Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay).

The winning project will be announced during the 18^th OWHC World Congress, to be held in Marrakech from 26 to 29 October 2026.