Posted to Dandenong Leader (9/5/2011) on 13/5/2011 at 11:59 AM
Commenting on “Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation”
http://dandenong-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/auditor-generals-damning-report-into-dandenong-revitalisation/
Dandenong revitalisation is "pretty" on the surface but I cannot foresee improvement in the public perception about the City and shopping experience.
Success of a shopping arena depends on human psychology; the density of traffic and people flows instead of the actual numbers creates a sense of attractiveness. Put 100 people, shoppers or onlookers, in a narrow street and a wide one respectively, you will think that the narrow street is very busy, but not the wide one. Swanston Street in Melbourne City has been "revitalised" so many times, and buckets of money are wasted on so many grand plans.
I have witnessed the rise and fall of Dandenong, and the changing demographics. The new wing of the Dandenong market is clean but lacks the "warmth", pull-me-in excitement, and too quiet.
Comparing Dandenong with other more flourishing suburbs like Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond, the atmosphere is without doubt distinctly different. If Dandenong streets become more up-market, they must be complemented with quality shops which in turn require clients with deeper pockets.
You can read Part 2 of this comment by click here
Commenting on “Auditor-General's damning report into Dandenong revitalisation”
http://dandenong-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/auditor-generals-damning-report-into-dandenong-revitalisation/
Dandenong revitalisation is "pretty" on the surface but I cannot foresee improvement in the public perception about the City and shopping experience.
Success of a shopping arena depends on human psychology; the density of traffic and people flows instead of the actual numbers creates a sense of attractiveness. Put 100 people, shoppers or onlookers, in a narrow street and a wide one respectively, you will think that the narrow street is very busy, but not the wide one. Swanston Street in Melbourne City has been "revitalised" so many times, and buckets of money are wasted on so many grand plans.
I have witnessed the rise and fall of Dandenong, and the changing demographics. The new wing of the Dandenong market is clean but lacks the "warmth", pull-me-in excitement, and too quiet.
Comparing Dandenong with other more flourishing suburbs like Glen Waverley, Box Hill, Springvale, Richmond, the atmosphere is without doubt distinctly different. If Dandenong streets become more up-market, they must be complemented with quality shops which in turn require clients with deeper pockets.
You can read Part 2 of this comment by click here
