Central Business District CBD The role of the

Central Business District (CBD)

The role of the CBD § Shopping § Entertainment § Finance (banking) § Offices The CBD or Central Business District is focal point of a city. It is the commercial, office, retail, and cultural center of the city and usually is the center point for transportation networks.

Characteristics § § Most expensive land Tallest buildings Focus for road and rail transport Busiest place

Who does the CBD face competition from? § Internet shopping § Retail parks § Out of town shopping centres § Huge out of town supermarkets § Business parks

Threats § Too little parking § Traffic congestion § Pollution from cars, buses and lorries § Danger from traffic § Crime § Increasing costs

Threats

Decline of the CBD § Empty shops, banks § Cinemas closed § “Pound shops” and charity shops § Looks run down § Fewer people § Decentralisation – shops and offices move to outskirts of city

How can the CBD be revitalised? § Revamp the shopping areas § Pedestrianize the CBD

EMPTY BUILDINGS § Bring them back in to use e. g. old banks or courts now used as bars and clubs § Get people back in to the CBD by converting upper floors into flats or offices (Gentrification)

How can the CBD be revitalised? § Safety and security § CCTV and security in the shopping centres § Late night police patrols

A nicer environment § Pedestrianize § Street art (statues) and well designed street furniture ( places to sit) § Public open space

Special events § Concerts that attract people § Christmas lights and events § Museums and art galleries subsidised by the government