Accessibility and Attractiveness: Key Features Towards Central City Revitalisation: Acase Study of Christchurch, New Zealand

The aim of this study was to analyze the importanceof accessibility and attractiveness as twodeterminants for shopping and leisure time activitiesin the central city of Christchurch. The context isderived from consideration of divergent exogenousfactors associated with selected cities in Germanyand from the change of attitudes towards shopping andleisure time activities in modern societies. An international literature review was compiled toinvestigate the reasons leading to this development. The factors and measurements were further analysed toprovide a frame for the case study. The objectivemeasurable situation as well as behaviors andattitudes of central city visitors had to be surveyed. The study consequently was able to provide data onthe situation related to accessibility patterns andattractiveness factors for both the real situationand the assessment of the same by the visitors to it. Comparing the results of both approaches, differencesor correspondences occurred that led to furtherconclusions and potential measures. The book is addressed to decision makers and expertswho are confronted with urban and traffic planningissues in cities.