Planning for underutilized port spaces

Abstract

The performance of ports plays an important role in terms of economic and regional balanced development. It serves as an important transportation hub for goods movements. Huge parcel of land is allocated to port authorities to facilitate better performance and future expansions. It is, however, essential to examine the current need, perception of the land under port management which are viewed as administrative function and neglected as assets (land banks). The case is especially justified when the port underperformance and these lands remain vacant or underutilized. the current development of such land under port authorities is more inclined toward revenue generating non-port uses. the rising land crisis in the rich port-cities promote profit driven land value capture redevelopment model. The redevelopment of such area provides us with an opportunity for experimental approach of planning that may as well be sustainable rather than a bland expansion of inner-city areas. There is a need for a people centric and equitable redevelopment model which balances the economic and social needs. Hence, the thesis focuses on planning for underutilized port areas using land feasibility analyses (land valuation) and land use stimulations that include non-port functions based on successful case studies. Areas that have been abandoned or are underused serve as a reminder of the past. Though the primary role of these places has been curtailed, they continue to be a significant source of revenue for the inhabitants. Some places are still utilized as local transit hubs, while others are used for cultural purposes, placemaking, historical preservation, or other objectives. The location attracts travelers who wish to learn more about the city's image. Investing in such areas has yielded excellent returns all across the world. One of the major learnings from the literature is the sharing of waterfront between ports and urban environment, a common scenario in Amsterdam, Netherlands. As a result of the ports' shifting roles, a new type of urbanism has emerged, one that makes use of both the old and the new. It is the goal of this research project to find out how to make waterfront redevelopment more feasible, people-cantered, and a model for other underutilized ports in India. Located on the waterfront, the area has a visual and physical link to the sea. To maximize public and private benefits, land resources under Port authorities need to be planned in a way that maximizes their real estate value and maximizes their efficiency. Real estate assets need to be investigated, evaluated, and estimated. Hence, a real estate models for comprehensive development are to be generated through a combination of micro and macro level land valuation and distribution and a conceptual planning proposal is to be prepared to tap the potential of the Mumbai eastern waterfront.