As Cambodia’s second largest city, Battambang is the economic hub in the country’s western region. The city has experienced significant population growth and urbanisation over the past 2 decades, but retains a city centre celebrating its historical buildings. A priority for growth in tourism, urban amenity and public space management is the area between the Sangkae River and the Battambang Royal Railway Station.

These streets host the city’s main government, commercial and tourism activities, yet commonly experience traffic congestion and poor road conditions. Heavy traffic and inadequate maintenance leads to frequent delays and poses safety risks for pedestrians and drivers. Insufficient road drainage often results in flooding during the rainy season, further exacerbating transportation problems and disrupting residents and businesses. Streets also experience a significant urban heat effect. The impacts of climate change are expected to exacerbate these issues.

The RUCaS team is collaborating with the Battambang Municipal Government including the Smart Cities team to assess options that bring value to residents and tourists.

The case study focuses on Street 2, a single carriageway in Svay Por Commune that supports business and residential functions, and connects with key landmarks. Linear wetlands, swales and infiltration gardens – modular nature-based solutions that can also be adapted for other streets – will increase green canopy cover and improve water management. Integrated smart heat and pedestrian count sensors will support Battambang's smart city vision. The proposed approach also includes enhanced amenities such as landscaped furniture, lighting art, decorative installations, bike parking and access paths that ensure easy access to housing and businesses. The designs are conceived as modular units, that can be designed to site context, and expanded and placed elsewhere in the city, allowing for piloting and testing in other parts of the historical area.