Seeking spatial justice in riverfront production of space. The case of the Greater Bay Area of China

Unjust urbanization has resulted in spatial injustice in the form of uneven distribution, inequitable accessibility, uneven design quality and other invisible social discrimination in everyday public life. The even distribution of public open spaces has received much scholarly and policy attention due to its contribution to people’s health and well-being. In recent years, urban river regeneration has helped alleviate the shortage of green spaces: in the fragmented green space provision of developed urban forms, river corridors with their abundance of natural resources can enhance the connectivity of adjacent communities and promote social cohesion. However, the privatization of riverfront space and riverside gentrification limit such potential positive impacts. The spatial injustice is also reflected in the spatial production processes influenced by economic, social and policy factors. Despite the societal significance and policy relevance, there is a paucity of research addressing the issue. This study explores the spatial injustice in riverfront production of space by employing the case of a mega river revitalization scheme (lasting for 15 years, including over 10,000 miles of waterways, totalling USD 25 billion investment) in the Greater Bay Area of China (GBA). Mixed methods include policy analysis, in-depth interviews with targeted respondents (policymakers and project designers), and survey of users. Focusing on the peculiar megaregional urban context of GBA, this study reveals how river revitalization policies are developed and implemented, what forces are driving the production of riverfront spaces and which interests and needs are prioritized. The findings provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of riverfront production of space and inform policymakers about just and sustainable riverfront spatial development.