Exploring the Role of Main Streets: A Case Study Analysis of Small Towns in the Clutha District, New Zealand

Public spaces are an important part of the urban environment as they create liveable and vibrant places for people to live and work. Due to small towns having smaller populations than cities and a smaller number of formal public spaces, the main street is one of the central public spaces for these towns. Main streets provide both a visual representation of the character of the town that they are located in, as well as a representation of the economic activity that is occurring in the town. This research investigated the main streets of three small towns located in the Clutha District of New Zealand. These towns are Balclutha, Milton and Lawrence. The research aimed to identify the relationship between planning for public space improvements such as street scape redevelopment and economic and community development in each place. The analysis of the design elements of the streetscape included investigating how and why the particular design features were used in each town. Processes of economic development were also explored in order to further understand the role of the main street. The findings indicate that the main street in each small town functions as a successful public space, however there are differences between the main street as a public space and those public spaces which can be found in more densely urbanised areas. Traffic is prioritised in the small town main street due to the importance that is has in creating economic development for local businesses. The main street not only facilitates economic development within the main street, but also portrays the potential for economic development within the town and represents the economic and community development that is occurring. Main streets potentially have a role in creating a sense of place for the community, although further research is needed to confirm this relationship