Johannes Novy, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, has written an article for The Conversation about how manufacturing can make urban economies thrive.
The article discusses how urban developments are increasingly blending multiple uses such as residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or entertainment, into one space, in what is known as ‘mixed-use’ development. It argues that reintegrating manufacturing into urban contexts can bring both economic and environmental benefits.
Speaking about the benefits of bringing manufacturing back into cities, Johannes writes: “Manufacturing in an urban context has been shown to provide comparatively secure and well-paid jobs. It is important in achieving net-zero carbon targets and transitioning to urban circular economies.”
He continues: “It reduces delivery kilometres, promotes the use of more sustainable delivery vehicles such as cargo bikes and encourages local repair and reuse centres to be developed. And, research shows, it makes urban spaces more interesting. Because most city dwellers no longer produce things for a living, many seem to relish the opportunity to see how others do it.”
Read the full article on The Conversation’s website.
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