| Abstract: | In most North American cities, the Central Business District has declined as a retail centre, from a historical position of absolute dominance. In many US metropolitan areas, the CBD is no longer the largest single retail centre; in most others, it is merely primus inter pares. It is generally assumed that a similar process has been at work in Melbourne and other Australian cities, as suburban sprawl and the rise of the motor car have reduced the relative accessibility of the centre. This proposition is evaluated by analysing historical and statistical sources of information about the distribution of the retail trade in Melbourne. The evidence appears to be that Melbourne's CBD was relatively weak at the turn of the century, but steadily increased in importance, eclipsing suburban rivals, until World War II or shortly afterwards. Since that time, there has been a relative decline, but Melbourne's CBD retains a greater significance in the metropolitan retail trade than is the case in other Australian and North American cities. |
