Post-COVID POPSs: Potential of Privately-Owned Public Spaces for City Reactivation in Post-Pandemic Times

Abstract

This chapter explores the potential of Privately-Owned Public Spaces (POPSs) to fill gaps in delivering accessible public spaces and discusses their role in the reactivation of cities in post-pandemic times. It examines the spatial features and potential of POPSs for contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Based on field observation of four POPSs in Melbourne, this chapter identifies how various design and management practices can either encourage or discourage social uses and activities in these spaces.
The research results show the potential of POPSs to contribute to the City of Melbourne’s Reactivation Plan and the UN SDGs. POPSs provide opportunities for innovative uses that can bring life back to cities and also help businesses impacted by the absence of office workers during COVID-19 lockdowns.