Perceptions of Urban Stakeholders Concerning the Value of Urban Open Spaces in Bloemfontein

Different perceptions concerning the value of urban open spaces have created value conflicts in terms of the quest for sustainable neighbourhoods. These value conflicts negate the ability of planners to achieve planning objectives. Addressing the increasing incidence of value conflict management has become imperative for urban open space sustenance. As such, this study seeks to contribute to filling this gap through an exploration of the diverse perceptions of different urban stakeholders as it pertains to the value of urban open spaces in Mangaung Township, Free State Province. A qualitative case study research design is utilized in the study. The accruing data was analyzed using Qualitative Content Analysis (QCA). Findings indicate that urban stakeholders have different perceptions concerning the value of urban open spaces like economic, environmental and social values respectively. These findings have considerable implications for practitioners within the urban planning and socio-economic development praxes in the Municipality and beyond.