Urban Renewal

When it comes to urban renewal, majority of the people is talking about urban redevelopment in which demolishing the existing buildings and replaced by the new one is the order of the day. Many have either forgotten or conveniently neglected that urban renewal is also included urban rehabilitation and urban regeneration or even refurbishment. Unfortunately this become the case for contest by residents of PJ on the proposed urban renewal plan for Section 51, 51A, 52, 8, part of 7 and 14. More clarifications and explanations are required. Perhaps education programme on town planning is urgently required. For example, for a residential precinct of Section 8, perhaps rehabilitation exercise is good enough. Provision of modern and new infrastructure such as networked pedestrian walkways, community hall, green open space and etc can be prioritised as well as the renovation of existing single storey dwelling house.

When a city has lost its appearance to the stakeholders and its functions to perform effectively and efficiently as a city dropped tremendously, then it is time for some form of urban renewal to take place. It is a process of rejuvenation to embrace the emerging challenges and or to optimise the prospects and opportunities arising from new changes. For example, renewal on the heritage buildings to meet the need of tourists. Similarly, to inject new modern facilities and infrastructure to prevent deterioration of the quality of life and pollution problem in the old town down area.