By: Mohd Farizuddin b Hazman
INTRODUCTION
Town Centre
A town centre is the commercial or geographical centre or core area of a town. It is traditionally associated with shopping or retail. Town centre also act as the centre of communication with major public transport hubs such as train or bus stations. It is including public buildings including town halls, museums and libraries. Town centres are symbollic to settlements and contain the best example of architecture, landmarks, and public spaces.
According to Urban Land Institute (2007), a town center is an enduring, walkable, and integrated open-air, multiuse development that is organized around a clearly identifiable and energized public realm where citizens can gather and strengthen their community bonds. It is anchored by retail, dining, and leisure uses, as well as by vertical or horizontal residential uses. At least one other type of development is included in a town center, such as office, hospitality, civic, and cultural uses. Over time, a town center should evolve into the densest, most compact, and most diverse part of a community, with strong connections to its surroundings.
Importance of Town Centre Planning
- Gives a positive impact in the economy.
- Helps the city to grow and develop in terms of physical, economy and social while protecting the environment.
- Improves the quality of life
Goal
To study the existing conditions and carry out a comprehensive analysis of the development in Kuah town centre.
Objectives
- To identify the existing physical condition and areas needed upgrading.
- To collect and analyse data for various sectors.
- To identify issues and findings based on the sectoral studies.
Scope of Study
Land use and Building use
- Infrastructure and utilities
- Greenfield and brownfield
Economic base
- Current economic condition
- Major economic sectors contribution
- Source of income and employment
- Supply and demand
Transportation
Urban design and Heritage
- Image, character and identity
- Type and condition of building facade
Social Aspect and Liveability
- Population and distribution
- Safety elements and environment
Tourism and Recreation
Implementation
- Application process for approval
Methodology
Study Area
The study area is located in Kuah town centre, Langkawi Island, Kedah where is located on the south-eastern part of Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi island), Kuah is the main town and the transit point for ferries from the mainland and Penang to anchor and it is under the administration of Tourism City of Langkawi Municipal Council. The study area is 810 Hectare which is 2001.6 Acre and it is a cluster of 99 islands on Andaman Sea in Malaysia and off the western coastline of Malaysia’s mainland, about 16.2 Nautica Mile from Kuala Perlis and 27.5 Nautica Mile from Kuala Kedah. The town has about 30,000 population in 2015 and it sits on reclaimed land. Kuah was once a fishing village before becoming Langkawi’s major commercial hub. The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and is associated with an ancient legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands.
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| Table shows site background of Pekan Kuah |
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| Key Plan of Study Area |
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| Location Plan of Study Area |
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| Site Plan of Study Area |
CONCLUSION
In conclusion this analysis aims to identify the existing conditions and carry out a comprehensive analysis of the development in Kuah town centre. The sectoral studies involved will came out with findings in the form of issues and problems as well as potentials and constraints. Therefore from this analysis stage that have been done will be of great help in the next stage which is proposal stage. The analysis becomes the basis for planning the future of Kuah town centre to be more efficient and sustainable.
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