Different activities compete for space in urban areas - Leaving Cert Geography - Question 1 - 2006

As urban centres grow, land-use zones undergo significant changes due to competition for space and resources.

1. Shift in Zone Boundaries: The growth of urban areas often leads to a shift in land-use boundaries. For instance, as the population increases, the Residential Zone may expand into areas previously classified as Industrial Zones, reflecting a demand for more housing.

2. Increased Density: In existing Residential Zones, there may be a trend towards increased density where multi-family dwellings such as apartments and condominiums are built to accommodate more residents, leading to vertical expansion.

3. Gentrification: In certain urban centres, gentrification may occur where economically marginalized neighborhoods are revitalized through new investments, causing a transition in land-use from lower-income housing to higher-end residential properties along with increased commercial activities.

4. Expansion of Commercial Zones: As urban centres expand, Commercial Zones often spread outward to cater to the growing population. This is often seen as more retail outlets, restaurants, and services proliferate along transport corridors to meet the needs of a larger urban population.

5. Mixed-Use Development: The increase in urban centres leads to the emergence of mixed-use developments that blend Residential and Commercial Zones, creating spaces where people can live, work, and play in proximity.

In conclusion, the evolution of land-use zones is a dynamic process shaped by the interplay of various socio-economic factors as urban centres grow.