Abstract
Industrial zoned land and industrial activities within cities are facing a number of challenges which could potentially see industry displaced from urban environments. Contributing to this is the inadequate coverage of industry in growth management strategies such as Smart Growth and the Compact City, which influence urban development and local planning legislation.
The aim of this thesis was to confirm the increasing evidence that industrial activities remain vitally important to a city’s sustainable development and for ensuring the positive function of local economies. This was explored within the case study of Nelson, New Zealand, a region experiencing high levels of population and economic growth within a strictly limited land base. Industrial land is under increasing pressure with future supply expected to be exhausted within six years at the current rate of demand.
Results of this research have confirmed the importance of industry within urban spaces and the need for tighter planning for the protection of industrial land and services if the city’s sustainable goals are to be achieved. Intensification was explored as a means by which industry can fit within smart growth strategies and can be reconceptualised to fit within the modern city. In addition, an industrial land supply method was developed as a practical starting point for local authorities to quantify future industrial land supply and also understand the complexity of issues relating to industrial sites and activities. Research enabled recommendations to be made which will assist planning and policy initiatives to ensure sustainable and more efficient industrial zone management.