Spatial configuration of warehouses of different sizes in the City of Cape Town municipality

Background: Various metropolitan areas have become key centres for logistics activities, leading to a significant increase in the number of warehouses. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the locational patterns of warehouses of different sizes in Africa. Objectives: To analyse the locational patterns of warehouses of different sizes within the City of Cape Town municipality, South Africa. The analysis focuses on the main factors influencing the placement of warehouses: transport infrastructure, land availability, proximity to customers and land-use zoning. Method: The study categorised warehouses based on their building footprint sizes, using the classifications of xx-small, x-small, small, medium, x-large and mega. A total of 396 warehouses were categorised accordingly. Proportional symbol mapping was then conducted in ArcGIS 10.1, assigning each warehouse type a specific weighting. Results: The study found that the areas surrounding the Port of Cape Town predominantly accommodated x-small warehouses. A diverse concentration of warehouses was identified along the railway, near the junctions of regional and national roads and within the areas enclosed by these roads. In addition, warehouses of diverse sizes were primarily situated in the main industrial zones of the municipality. Conclusion: The City of Cape Town municipality is encouraged to promote the consolidation of particularly large warehouses in strategic locations. These include industrial areas not geographically near the Port of Cape Town but with railway access to the port. Contribution: The study will contribute towards enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of logistics processes within the City of Cape Town.