Reviving Street Economy through Conservancy Lane Activation in Malleswaram Over the years, Church Street at MG Road, served as a vibrant ecosystem where small-scale vendors, local food outlets, artists, students, and families coexisted and supported each other’s livelihoods. However, the recent shutdown of commercial activities in that area has significantly impacted this informal yet essential network, especially the roadside vendors who rely heavily on footfall and community interactions. During conversations with several vendors and restaurant owners from Church Street, a common thread emerged — a marked decline in business, income, and opportunity. Many of these vendors are students, homemakers, and artists who had found dignity and purpose in their micro-enterprises. Their loss is not just economic, but also cultural and social. Cities are meant to be inclusive, enabling every individual — regardless of their background — to thrive. I believe a city is like a blank canvas, and its people are the artists and performers who bring it to life. Spaces within the city flourish not in isolation but through the energy and engagement of its residents, just as the synergy between vendors and restaurants once enlivened Church Street. To address this decline and reintegrate these micro-businesses into the urban fabric, my vision proposes the adaptive reuse of conservancy lanes in Malleswaram. These lanes, rich with historical character and cultural significance, offer the perfect setting for a thoughtfully planned street vending ecosystem. By transforming these lanes into organized, artistic, and accessible micro-business corridors, we can: 1. Provide dignified, secure spaces for displaced and emerging vendors 2. Revitalize the declining footfall in traditional markets of Malleswaram 3. Attract youth and urban dwellers to engage with the area’s heritage and small businesses 4. Activate public space through art — with existing and new murals and installations forming the expressive backdrop of these setups This approach not only supports local livelihoods but also redefines how public space is shared and celebrated in the city. It is an opportunity to build a model of urban resilience where culture, commerce, and community thrive together — making the city more inclusive, vibrant, and alive once again.