Evaluation of the Suitability of Street Vending Planning in Urban Public Space in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the resurgence of the informal street vending economy. This revival has boosted the market economy but has also challenged urban governance. Recognizing street vending deregulation as both a stimulus for employment and a potential challenge to hygiene and safety, this study evaluates the suitability of street vending within Wuchang District of Wuhan, China. The methodology unfolds in four steps: constructing an indicator system based on a policy and literature review, a spatial quantitative analysis via GIS, weight allocation through expert consultation and entropy methods, and the identification of suitable areas as well as strategies. Findings reveal suitability clusters centered around key urban nodes, extending across central and mid-western zones through corridors like Zhongnan Road, demonstrating the potential for centralized management and economic permeation into surrounding areas. The analysis of land-use compatibility showed that commercial, park, and residential lands offer the highest suitability for vending activities, proposing management strategies tailored to enhance business in commercial areas, flexible configurations in residential zones, diverse development in parks, quality-oriented development in public squares, and strict control in scenic and tourist facilities. This study not only deepens our understanding of the geographical distribution of and factors influencing street vending, but also proposes integrated management strategies for vending in urban public spaces, fostering vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.