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