Public participation in the urban environment is explored with reference to a case study of the redevelopment of an area of inner city open space in central Christchurch, New Zealand. In 1986, a Christchurch developer proposed to build a 187m tower in the city's Victoria Square. Community interest groups were largely opposed to the proposal, which initially had the support of the planning authority. This study focuses on the ensuing public participation prompted by the proposal. Case study findings are generalised to the issue of public participation in the urban environment. The inner city environment is found to pose problems for participants due to the context of development within the city, and the lack of an urban constituency. The study concludes with a recommended approach to public participation in future urban development. Conclusions also relate to the value of public participation in understanding the decision making processes governing the allocation of resources within any system. Public participation provides a benchmark with which to monitor the efficacy of institutional arrangements for urban development.