REGENERATION OF A SMALL MONOFUNCTIONAL CITY (A CASE OF ZHOVTI VODY)

Background. In the context of post-socialist economic restructuring, small monofunctional cities in Ukraine are confronted with a myriad of challenges that jeopardize their socio-economic development and result in inefficient utilization of urban space, consequently leading to the gradual or rapid decline of such cities. This necessitates a scholarly examination of the particularities of approaches to urban space regeneration in small monofunctional cities, taking into account their national and local specificities. Methods. Drawing upon the existing scientific literature, expert analytical reviews, and the prevailing urban planning and strategic documentation of Zhovti Vody, the authors conducted a comprehensive examination of the city's socio-economic landscape, with the objective of delineating its distinctiveness as a small monofunctional city and identifying the preconditions and requirements for urban space regeneration. To enhance the understanding of the challenges and prospects of Zhovti Vody in the context of monofunctionality, a SWOT analysis of its socio-economic position was undertaken. Additionally, a population survey was conducted in order to ascertain the desires and attitudes of the city's residents towards urban space regeneration, as well as to uncover latent issues perceived by inhabitants from different districts. An in-depth interview was conducted with a former employee of the Zhovti Vody City Council to gain insights into the institutional and budgetary readiness of the city for urban space regeneration. Results. It is determined that the primary impediments to the regeneration of Ukrainian small monofunctional cities reside in the lack of stakeholder alignment in strategic planning due to deficient communication, coupled with the limited interest of the state in the development of such cities. The need for regeneration in the city of Zhovti Vody arises from the economic, demographic, social, and ecological challenges. From a strategic standpoint, it is essential to prioritize the regeneration of the industrial sector and the housing stock. Conclusions. The ideas proposed for the regeneration projects of specific urban territories within the industrial and residential zones of Zhovti Vody were developed taking into account the peculiarities of the city’s socio-economic and spatial development, as well as public opinion, and could be considered by the authorities of the Zhovti Vody urban territorial community, entrepreneurs, government officials, public organizations, initiatives, and other potentially relevant stakeholders involved in the city’s regeneration.