A Productive Mix? Urban Manufacturing in Planned Industrial Zones and Mixed-Use Districts

Abstract

This study contributes to planning debates around industrial rezoning and the changing nature of urban manufacturing. Drawing on interviews with food and beverage manufacturers in Melbourne, Australia, we examine the relationship between zoning and firm operations, comparing experiences in planned industrial zones with those in mixed-use districts. We found that industrial zones more effectively shield manufacturers from competing and conflicting uses. However, they may not accommodate the growing set of enterprises that combine production and service functions. We also found variation in industrial zones with some performing as de facto mixed-use environments that provide proximity benefits alongside regulatory protection.