A Comparative Analysis of Commercial Centres at Neighbourhood Level in Traditional and Planned Indian Cities

Neighbourhood commercial centres are crucial for sustainable urbanism and neighbourhood cohesion, providing easy access to goods and services. They foster community bonds and promote economic growth and local employment. The significance of these centres lies in their accessibility, inclusivity, and vibrancy, all contributing to the development of thriving communities. In traditional cities, commercial centres at the neighbourhood level grew organically along the streets, containing mixed-use developments with commercial activities on the ground floor and residential and other activities on the upper floors. They reflect the city's heritage and identity and showcase a blend of historical and cultural influences. Conversely, in planned cities, neighbourhood commercial centres usually exhibit a different character, comprising multi-storied buildings as commercial centres. Literature review indicates that very few studies have compared commercial centres of the planned and traditional neighbourhoods. This chapter aims to compare commercial centres from traditional and planned neighbourhoods to address the research gap. The analysis is based on sustainability indicators pertaining to neighbourhood commercial centres identified through an extensive literature review. The analysis identifies the strengths and weaknesses of both types of neighbourhood commercial centres while revealing valuable contextual differences. Additionally, this study recommends actionable steps to improve neighbourhood commercial centres’ effectiveness and future urban planning strategies for creating thriving communities and supporting overall neighbourhood well-being.