A child play-and-learn area contributing to urban regeneration: A case in Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract

This study regards a Child Play-and-Learn Area (CPLA) in a library as a third place and investigates its relationships with visitors through the concept of place attachment. To understand the influence of the CPLA, the study examined the relationships among visitors' place attachment, servicescape and behavioural intentions involving place scales. A survey was conducted in a CPLA in Christchurch, New Zealand (The Imagination Station in the central library) and collected 406 questionnaires. The results indicate that the physical and social servicescape of the CPLA can enhance visitors' place attachment and influence their behavioural intentions in the library and the city. The findings suggest that community-oriented places like CPLAs and libraries should be used as social infrastructure in urban regeneration strategies.