EFFECTS OF PEDESTRIANISATION ON RETAIL BUSINESSES: A STUDY OF A SINGAPORE STREET, HAJI LANE

Abstract

Traditional urban planning has shifted towards sustainable developments to create liveable cities. In addition to solving urban problems such as traffic congestions, streets are redesign to accommodate pedestrian movements and activities through various transportation policies. One example is the implementation of pedestrianisation schemes in downtown commercial areas to revitalise the area by creating pedestrian malls. However, improper planning of pedestrianiation schemes can bring negative impacts to the retail businesses. In recent years, a rising number of pedestrianisation schemes are implemented in Singapore commercial areas such as Haji Lane and Ann Siang Hill. Therefore, this study aims to examine the approach of implementation and impacts of pedestrianisation schemes to retail businesses in Haji Lane. It also investigates the attitudes and preferences of key stakeholders. This study adopts a qualitative research design and uses three qualitative methods. The methods consist of field observations to capture the physical environment and activities in Haji Lane to understand the approach of implementation and set the context of this study. Subsequently, business interviews and pedestrians surveys are conducted to gather information on the impacts of pedestrianisation. It will also find out the attitudes and preferences of business owners and pedestrians towards the scheme. All the findings will be analysed and presented using qualitative approach in a descriptive and inferential manner The findings from field observations show a lack of safety and comfort in the design of physical environment Haji Lane. The business interviews review that there is an overall increase in pedestrians’ traffic and retail turnover. However, the overall sentiment towards the scheme is neutral as the benefits did not meet expectations of business owners. On the other hand, pedestrian survey suggests positivity towards the scheme. It also reviews that ambience and tenant mix are most important factors to increase pedestrians’ activities. The main limitation of this study is that Haji Lane is the only street being studied and may not be representative of other pedestrianisation scheme in Singapore. Therefore, further studies on other pedestrianised streets can be conducted for a more accurate conclusion.