After Watt's improvements, what replaced proximity to rivers as the primary consideration for locating a factory?
Answer
Proximity to fuel (coal) and labor pools.
The shift occurred because steam power negated the need for riverside locations; the primary considerations for new factory placement became access to coal supplies and available labor.

Related Questions
What primary limitation did the steam engine break regarding industrial location?What was the primary function of early steam engines, like those by Newcomen?What crucial refinement did James Watt introduce that significantly reduced fuel consumption in steam engines?How did steam power fundamentally improve factory operations compared to water wheels?After Watt's improvements, what replaced proximity to rivers as the primary consideration for locating a factory?What was the immediate effect of the steam locomotive on overland trade?What overlooked initial effect did the necessity of consistent rail schedules have on society?Which urban utility was supported by steam-powered pumps lifting water from distant sources?How did the steam engine change the rhythm of the workday compared to water power?According to the comparison table, what was the key differentiator of the steam engine over water wheels?