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