Abstract
The city centre planning and redevelopment in developing cities, the location, function and physical form of such cities notwithstanding often remain the hardest planning proposal to be accomplished by any planning endeavour. The magnitude of this problem has been linked to the origin and locations of many settlements especially those associated with poor relief environment which later poses numerous planning challenges such as malfunctioning of such cities’ central area planning. This study therefore aims at planning a more viable and functional 'city centre' that befit the ever growing and physically distorted Lokoja town which existing central area is currently undermining the physical need of the inhabitants. Moreover, in the face of physical environmental challenge, there must be a good choice of locating a befitting site for its central area development. In the literature, it is evident that there are different concepts worldwide in the development of this centre hence copying from one style of design may not really work else where because of many peculiarities. Methodologically, the study employs detailed land-use studies, traffics survey and other social research analytical tool to propose a better choice of alternative site for the central area development. The researchers conceived a ‘pedestrian precinct principle’ for the central areas that is being anticipated and concludes that the fiscal resources or funding of the central area plan implementation be sourced possibly from either urban development bank or directly from central government. Key word: City centre, designing, physical terrain, planning
Highlights
Most of the physical planning problems or constraints being experienced today in many developing cities, especially African cities are not absolutely lack of political wills from the government or do they have much to do with expertise, financial or fund diversion to less important societal needs
This study considers the choice of Lokoja as a good case study to showcase the much needed research in strategic methods in planning physically constrained settlements in Nigeria
With the application of a simple random sampling technique three (3) sites were selected for Lokoja City Centres development
Summary
Most of the physical planning problems or constraints being experienced today in many developing cities, especially African cities are not absolutely lack of political wills from the government or do they have much to do with expertise, financial or fund diversion to less important societal needs. Beyond the obvious causes of this current challenge, every developmental planner has often considered these as threats to planning exercise It is in the light of this that Jeffrey and Pounder (2004) argued that good physical and environmental condition of a place will always engender the physical regeneration of the spatial place. Lokoja is the capital city of Kogi State (Nigeria). Location-wise, Lokoja is unique for two reasons: first, it is well linked and accessible through both state and federal highways. The physical attributes of Lokoja has been the main concern, in other words, there is need for strategic and workable plans for the future growth of the town, especially the siting of the town centre within the present town structure. The shape and overall disposition of the town varies in many ways because of the ruggedness of the topography (Figure 2)
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