Socio-Economic Impact of Revitalization: The Case of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Urban revitalization is the process of the city to restore its vibrancy, bringing the city to life, expanding profitable activities, increase in land and economic values and start-up new business ventures. The importance of revitalization can help improve the development to the city in terms of economic, social and cultural. Strategies of revitalization have been implemented through investments, conservation and regeneration that emphasizes to promote tourism, strengthen the capabilities and increase employment opportunities. The aim of this research paper is to revitalize the city of Bandar Seri Begawan into a sustainable environment integrating the interest of residents, businesses and tourists. Subsequently is to investigate the cause and effect of revitalization towards tourism, cultural and social activities. The study focuses on Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital city of Brunei which does not have the usual characteristic of a busy, key economic centre or ‘life’ of a country which suffers from lack of vitality that it loses out to other cities. Interviews and on-site observations methods were used for this study. The findings demonstrate that revitalization of Bandar Seri Begawan is closely related to the Water Village - Kampong Ayer as it represents the identity of Bandar Seri Begawan. This paper highlights the development of a conceptual framework that can be served as guidelines to revitalize the Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) into a sustainable city environment integrating all the factors – the diversity of needs of residents, tourists and businesses which also help to understand the cause and effect of revitalization towards tourism, cultural and social activities.Socio-Economic Impact of Revitalization: The Case of Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam