Revitalizing commercial streets in historical district : evaluating a case in Fuzhou, China

Abstract

This thesis sets out to examine the case of commercial street revitalization in Fuzhou, China. In modern China the focus of revitalization models has evolved from poverty and environmental quality in 1980s to economic revival and social policy in 2000's. Due to the lack of empowerment of local community, the prevailing models-Clearance, Xiantiandi and Fake historical-all take a large-scale approach that is favored and undertaken by either government or developer. Compared with a small-scale approach, the large-scale approach usually faces problems such as financial uncertainty, preservation degradation, and loss of diversity and scale continuity. Fuzhou Nanhou Street revitalization project is a government oriented large-scale project that attempts to tackle conservation and economic revitalization issues. With respect to the challenges faced by large-scale approach, an assessment index is developed to include conservation, diversity, connectivity, economy and equity. In general, the Nanhou street revitalization plan was well prepared in and implemented in 2009. It has employed effective design strategies in managing physical conservation, upgrading and promoting urban vitality. However, there was insufficient concern over real estate management and social equity issues, which became an obstacle to a sustainable revitalization. For example, the uniform rent and over-scale store design prevent some century-old stores from re-opening after revitalization. In this thesis, I argue revitalization should put equal emphasis on the software as on the hardware. The lack of knowledge in marketing and management can undermine a sustainable revitalization in China in spite of a sensible physical conservation. Three recommendations are made to inform future practices: 1) coordinate with tourism and creative industry development; 2) introduce retail business management; 3) incorporate public participation into the planning process.