Impacts of new buildings on urban liveability : a socio-economic study on Pretoria South Africa

Abstract

Urban liveability is a perception-driven concept focussed on the connection between people and their urban environment. This study considers whether new construction in urban areas has a positive impact on the socio-economic aspects of liveability – specifically within the developing African setting of Pretoria, South Africa. A questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 299 respondents from a variety of areas and income classes who live and/or work in Pretoria. A qualitative analysis was also conducted on the opinions of where and which type of construction would be most beneficial or which other solutions could be considered in lieu of or in conjunction with new construction. The study found that new construction is perceived to have a positive impact on socio-economic concerns overall as well as individual concerns including housing, unemployment, access to health and education, service provision and transport and accessibility.