Central Business District (CBD)

What is the central business district and what problems does it face.

1. Central Business District
(CBD)

2. 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.

3. Characteristics
Most expensive land
Tallest buildings
Focus for road and rail transport
Busiest place

4. Who does the CBD face competition from?
Internet shopping
Retail parks
Out of town shopping
centres
Huge out of town
supermarkets
Business parks

5. Threats
Too little parking
Traffic congestion
Pollution from cars,
buses and lorries
Danger from traffic
Crime
Increasing costs

6. Threats

7. 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

8. How can the CBD be revitalised?
Revamp the
shopping areas
Pedestrianize
the CBD

9. 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)

10. How can the CBD be revitalised?
Safety and
security
CCTV and
security in the
shopping centres
Late night police
patrols

11. A nicer environment
Pedestrianize
Street art (statues)
and well designed
street furniture
( places to sit)
Public open space

12. Special events
Concerts that attract people
Christmas lights and events
Museums and art galleries
subsidised by the government