URBAN REGENERATION AT BOAT QUAY

Abstract

Following the completion of the regeneration program of Boat Quay in 1992, it was reported that Boat Quay has been experiencing phenomenal success and the area is now vibrant and attractive. The primary aim of this study is to discuss and evaluate the economic success of Boat Quay from the perspective of the business operators. To provide a background for evaluation, the historical events of Boat Quay were outlined, and the Boat Quay regeneration program was discussed. Through observations, the Boat Quay conservation area in the present day was also presented. Surveys were carried out on the Boat Quay business operators to evaluate the businesses at the Boat Quay conservation area to obtain a sense of the economic success of regeneration, and to examine the business operators' perception of the regeneration effort. The results of the survey revealed that the shophouses operated by the business operators who have been in the Boat Quay area before the regeneration program had not been performing well after the regeneration. On the other hand, the establishments in the Boat Quay area which started after the regeneration program were generally performing well. Another finding of the survey revealed that more should be done to improve the quality of environment at Boat Quay. A majority of the business operators claimed that the amount of work done for the regeneration was not enough. Areas that need to be improved include the road system, paving finishes along the streets, attracting more tourists to visit the area, and having more police to patrol the area at night.