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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Revitalizing the Bloemfontein CBD: prospects, obstacles and lost opportunities |
Author: | Hoogendoorn, Gijsbert |
Year: | 2008 |
Periodical: | Urban Forum |
Volume: | 19 |
Issue: | 2 |
Pages: | 159-174 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | urban renewal urban planning |
External link: | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12132-008-9029-6 |
Abstract: | In the South African context, a small, but nevertheless significant literature has developed chronicling both the decline of Central Business Districts (CBD) and subsequent revitalization strategies deployed to reverse such decline. Similar to the international experience, the focal point has been South Africa's main metropolitan regions, whilst secondary cities have remained beyond the investigatory focus. This paper provides an outline of the prospects and obstacles that face CBD revitalization in the secondary city of Bloemfontein. It first discusses international and national lessons with regard to innercity upgrading in terms of the role of private-public partnerships and business-city improvement districts; the development of flagship projects; addressing property decline and derelict buildings; financial incentives to revitalize inner cities; increasing the residential component of inner cities; and regulating decentralized developments. Following a historic overview of the Bloemfontein CBD, the paper examines obstacles, prospects and lost opportunities for the renewal of the Bloemfontein CBD. It argues that whilst generic revitalization programmes in cities such as Cape Town and Johannesburg have seemingly stemmed further CBD decline, other strategies might be required in secondary cities such as Bloemfontein. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract] |