Prospects and Possibilities of Sustainable Urban Revitalization: Considering and Reviewing the Boro Bazaar area with the Context of Khulna city, Bangladesh.

Historically important urban areas are practically a significant entity, a rich reservoir of social and economic milieu and cultural inheritance. Though, it faces many problems due to the rapid growth of population and the steady increase in the new requirements. In addition, developing countries are commonly characterized by the highest density of inhabitants, agglomeration of industrial assets and production, social and technological infrastructure; dynamic informal economic sector under the shadow of its formal concentration. There seems to be immense similarities in the nature of the problems of the commercially important urban areas in general and of South Asian Cities in particular. Therefore, the study depends, to a large extent on accrued knowledge (theoretical) and experience (practical) gamed over the passage of time. Although like its neighboring countries, Bangladesh has witnessed an extraordinary social and economic development after its independents. This was mainly due to balanced socioeconomic development dependent on different sectors and the government has continuously strives to draw a balance between several social-economic and environmental factors and the development program which indicates an early courtesy towards sustainability and environmental protection. The pressure towards massive investment in development and economic progress was however higher and determined to a large extent its success in maintaining this equilibrium. As such, one has to address this important issue within the framework of urban sustainability. The essence of this study contribution to knowledge lies around the dissection of the decision making process around urban planning and development in Khulna city and proposed Boro Bazaar area (through problem and process analysis) and how it may be directed towards a more sustainable urban future with proposed urban revitalization planning proposals. Khulna city was developed as an average level industrial city since 1950s for its suitable location and the availability of raw materials. Between 1950s and 1960s, the city got importance as an industrial hub with many industries. In that period Khulna was the backbone of the East Pakistan's main foreign currency by these industries which were established besides river and developed it as a linear city along two big rivers - Rupsha and Bhairab. Previously Khulna was converted to a municipality beginning a formal township in 1884 during British regime and subsequently city was depending highly on river based trade market. Then city and trade market was developed around the river port locally named “Boro Bazaar” which means large market where trade activities were mostly distinguished by wholesale and retail shops. Still now as a city center and main financial hub the trade divisions in Boro Bazaar handle a huge amount of financial flow and provide both direct and indirect employment for the urbanites and generates revenue for the local government through income taxes and land taxes and leases the river port areas to export and import goods within the country and to the neighboring India (S.M. Reazul Ahsan, 2011). In addition, the international highway between India and Bangladesh, the divisional highways, railways, inter district water ways crossing over this area and their trade links make it highly potential and important for both national and international trade and commerce. However, because of these financial importance’s, different redevelopment actions have been taking place to make it more efficient. But throughout the history this area has been developing in an unplanned way. Owing to its advantageous location, it eventually became the most congested sector in the city and almost impossible to provide better urban services for the existing community. Therefore, this study is basically concerned with the question of sustainability and revitalization of mixed use commercial environment in order to accommodate the present and future needs of its inhabitants and to preserve and conserve its traditional fabric with its different values. Consequently, different information’s and approaches, from international, national and local levels, have been recognized are evaluated as well. Because both the urban sustainability and revitalization approaches have not been properly deployed or experienced in this area before, the study endeavors to develop understanding of urban sustainability and revitalization concepts and emphasizing not only on the development, but contemplates creative use and reuse of this mixed use commercial area and illustrates how these ideas are to accommodate the requirement and need of the contemporary society. For a comprehensive consideration this present study has progressed a suitable model for integrating and projecting the different factors which playing significant role in the process of sustainable urban revitalization planning, i.e. physical, economics, social, environment, culture and overall networks within the study area. Based on the theories, principles, strategies and the different approaches, which have been employed for the overall city the critical recommendations at policy level, have been listed out, in a comprehensive and a systematic manner, to guide the sustainable urban revitalization planning of the proposed Boro Bazaar area, that broadly focus on the following –  Physical: Emphasis on conserving the symbolic values of existing built form and market areas, river side areas and activities and to recapture its historical and cultural importance even when they are adapted to new use. In addition, physical revitalization also concerns on those services and necessities that create pollution and emphasis of green and open spaces as well. Again focus on those services and requirements that will enhance the quality of life for all and also the provision of the features and amenities that would add the desirability for residential and commercial area.  Economics: The economic viability and vitality are important factors in sustainable urban revitalization. This involves the exploration of the economic related opportunities from the existing commercial activities as resource for economic growth which will improve the overall income of inhabitants and facilitate the continuation of the process of revitalization.  Social: Emphasis on the adjustment of the current priorities and requirements of the inhabitants in order to comply with future requirements and to involve the society in the process of sustainable urban revitalization planning agenda. Based on these recommendations and to illustrate its vitality, the study concludes with sustainable urban revitalization plans for stimulating economic and commercial positions, physical infrastructures, and social services and recreational activates. All these (principles, strategies, specific recommendations and revitalization plans) would be a ready reference to guide the sustainable urban revitalization planning for Khulna city in general and proposed Boro Bazaar area in particular. Finally, the study has progressed in a sequence of phases: identifying the main proportions of urban sustainability and revitalization planning that are relevant for this study. Then the study sequentially explained drawing out the history of urban development planning, including its main visions, objectives, policies, urban development targets, problems and challenges; carrying out the research using a triangulated methodology approach that consists of:chronological study of four tiers (urban strategy, structure plan, master plan and detail area plan) of city planning systems in Khulna city. These approaches were carried out by semi structured interviews of expert participants and the assessment of behavior and attitudes of the general public towards sustainability and revitalization planning through the use of questionnaires. Consequently, the problem analysis phase produced a list of problems, challenges, difficulties and present situations regarding study area and the process analysis phase produced a sustainable urban revitalization model that can be utilized in addressing the progress of urban development process and how it may be enhanced in the future within these areas.