Macao Peninsula’s Rua da Felicidade (Happiness Street, in English) – Macao’s red light district until around the 1940s – will be converted into a pedestrian area, though no dates have been finalised.
According to Macau Post Daily, the Culture Affairs Bureau (IC) had drafted a plan to “revitalise” the famous street by making it accessible only by foot from morning to evening. IC President Leong Wai Man said that once the plan is implemented, more artistic performances, art installations, and other cultural activities will be possible – increasing the flow of people, which will be a boon for local businesses.
Rua da Felicidade is located in the heart of the city and has featured as a backdrop in films such as Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Now You See Me 2 and In the Mood for Love.
[See more: The temporary pedestrianisation of San Ma Lou caused a host of problems, lawmaker says]
Leong noted that many of Rua da Felicidade’s privately owned buildings are “underutilised.” She hoped making the street pedestrian-only would encourage owners to make better use of their spaces, as well as speak with IC about repairing the buildings’ often shabby facades – something the government is willing to assist with, due to their historical significance.
The IC’s plan also aims to better integrate Rua da Felicidade with surrounding tourist areas, such as Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Largo do Senado and Largo de St, said Leong. Nearby Travessa do Mastro, Travessa do Aterro Novo, Rua do Matapau and Travessa de Hó Lo Quai will also be pedestrianisation.
A pilot scheme for a pedestrian area costing 2.6 million patacas was carried out on San Ma Lou early this year. The Rua de Felicidade will be the second street in Macao to be pedestrianised.
