Characterising the evolution of the urban form of zones that accommodate warehousing clusters in the City of Cape Town municipality

Abstract

Modern economies are characterised by increasing globalisation, e-commerce, and the growing number of logistics facilities. Despite insightful research on the changing locational patterns of logistics facilities epitomised by logistics sprawl, there is a lack of literature that analyses changes in the urban form of areas that accommodate warehousing clusters. The paper aims to analyse changes to the urban form of zones that accommodate warehousing clusters in the City of Cape Town municipality, South Africa. The topographical maps, historical literature and spatial planning policy were used to analyse changes in the urban form of the zones that accommodate warehousing clusters in the City of Cape Town. Changes in the urban form of the contemporary warehousing cluster areas were linked to the growth of industrial zones and the transport infrastructure. The spatial policy and associated instruments cemented the growth of industrial zones in the municipality, albeit not explicit on the placement of warehousing facilities. The planning authorities are urged to anticipate and accordingly plan for the future growth of warehousing facilities relative to the industrial zones and transport infrastructure. To ensure efficient and sustainable land utilisation, derelict industrial buildings in highly accessible areas could be redeveloped to accommodate warehousing.