Evaluation of Public Spaces and Pedestrian Walkways in Enugu Urban Centre

The quality of public spaces and pedestrian walkways is a fundamental indicator of urban liveability and the inclusivity of the built environment in Nigerian cities. This study evaluates the design quality, functionality, and user experience of selected public spaces and pedestrian walkways in Enugu urban centre, focusing on four major corridors in Ogui, Independence Layout, GRA, and the Central Business District. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, combining direct physical observation, photographic documentation, and a structured questionnaire administered to two hundred and forty pedestrians. Assessment criteria included pavement continuity, surface material condition, shading provision, lighting adequacy, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and safety from vehicular traffic. Findings reveal significant deficiencies across all four corridors, with incomplete pavement surfaces recorded in seventy-three percent of assessed segments. Shading structures were absent in the majority of walkway stretches, contributing to thermal discomfort during peak sun hours. Only eight percent of walkways provided adequate accessibility features for mobility-impaired users. Safety from vehicular encroachment was rated as poor by sixty-one percent of respondents. The Central Business District corridor showed the highest pedestrian activity but the least spatial quality among the four case study areas, reflecting a disconnect between demand and provision. The study advocates for a coordinated pedestrian infrastructure improvement programme by the Enugu State Urban Development Board, prioritising accessibility compliance, shade planting, and surface restoration. Recommendations align with recent global frameworks for human-centred urban design. Keywords: public spaces, pedestrian walkways, urban design, Enugu, liveability.