Revitalizing Industrial Heritage: Adaptive Reuse of Comtrust Textile Mill Manachira in Calicut (India)

This study examines “Industrial Heritage as a Driver for Sustainable Development”. As the need to preserve architectural heritage with historical and cultural significance grows, it is also essential to ensure the dynamic development of urban environments. The research focuses on revitalization, a method that preserves and restores historic landmarks by assigning them new functions, allowing these buildings to meet modern needs. This is especially relevant for industrial heritage, which plays a key role in shaping urban identity, economic potential, and cultural continuity. Urban expansion often threatens the integrity of historical centers, as development typically accelerates in city peripheries, leaving the core areas neglected. Derelict industrial buildings, once central to a city’s growth, now sit idle on valuable land. Revitalizing these spaces offers both economic and cultural benefits, allowing for the preservation of historical identity while reintegrating these areas into the urban fabric. Revitalization just not only preserves architectural history but also enhances economic value, attracting tourism, and creating opportunities for commerce and trade. This study explores the challenges of revitalizing historic urban cores, using the Comtrust Textile Mill Mananchira, Calicut (India) as a case study. Once a thriving industrial site, the mill now stands abandoned. However, through strategic revitalization, they can become important components in the sustainable development of the city. Revitalization refers to giving a new face to urban spaces, making them economically productive while sustaining their historical importance. The research highlights how industrial heritage can promote sustainable urban development. Reusing these structures helps reduce urban sprawl, lowers the environmental impact of new construction, and preserves a city’s cultural identity. The case of the Comtrust Textile Mill Mananchira demonstrates how industrial heritage can be changed to balance historical preservation with modern urban needs, driving sustainable and economically vibrant urban growth. The research also delves into the historical context of both the city and the mill, tracing their evolution from inception to the present day. It presents a detailed analysis of the project, derived from on-site surveys and assessments, focusing on architectural technology, material studies, and decay analysis. The study ultimately proposes a design intervention that balances heritage conservation with contemporary needs, fostering social sustainability and community engagement. By preserving historical significance while introducing adaptive functions, the project serves as a replicable model for revitalizing other neglected industrial heritage sites.