Future planning, safety and crime prevention at Kingston's central business district

This study explores the connection between urban design and criminal behaviour with the central aim of assessing the impact of this relationship on people's safety, security and use of a suburban central business district. The social construction of public space is analysed to demonstrate the profound implications that developments in consumerism and privatisation have on the use and development of public space. Environmental criminologies are critiqued, leading to discussions of the crime prevention paradigm with a particular focus on situational and environmental approaches. Themes from a comprehensive safety audit completed by a range of users of the target environment, in conjunction with a number of interviews, are discussed in light of the literature review and the theoretical framework of environmental crime prevention. As an intended redevelopment, the Kingston CBD provides a significant opportunity to critically assess current urban design characteristics, gauge public perceptions and provide grounded recommendations for improving the safety and amenity of this vital public space. An environmental design guideline for obtaining better crime prevention outcomes will be a practical aid for local authorities to integrate public safety in future developments through the creation of appropriate plalllling and urban design policies.