The town centre is usually the commercial or geographical centre of a town. The term is used more often in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe. Commerce is the trading of something of economic value such as goods, services, information or money between two or more entities. ... Physical map of the Earth (Medium) (Large 2 MB) Geography is the scientific study of the locational and spatial variation in both physical and human phenomena on Earth. ... Main street in Bastrop, Texas, a small town A town is a residential community of people ranging from a few hundred to several thousands, although it may be applied loosely even to huge metropolitan areas. ...

The town centre historically was the main thoroughfare or "High Street" of a settlement where commercial activities took place.

Town Centres are traditionally associated with shopping. They are also the centre of communications with major public transport hubs. Public buildings including town halls, museums and libraries are often found in town centres.

Town Centres act as symbols for settlements as a whole and many contain the main landmark buildings, statues and public spaces of a settlement.

In some areas of Canada—particularly large, urban areas—town centres can be alternate commercial areas to the city's downtown. These centres are usually located within a large neighborhood and characterized by medium-high density commercial and residential property.

See also

• Downtown (Similar to 'Town Centre', but can be used in cities and/or towns.)
• CBD
• Principles of Intelligent Urbanism