New logistics distribution center along A12 takes shape

In the Netherlands, clients and developers continue to invest heavily in logistics warehouses and distribution parks. At Business Park 7Poort in Zevenaar, along the A12 motorway and close to the German border, Goldbeck Nederland is building the first two warehouses of the G-Park logistics center, representing an area of 52,000 m², on behalf of developer Gazeley. In the future, the rest of the 130,000 m² plot will be built on in several phases. Preparation and engineering began in summer 2019, earthworks in October 2019, and the project is scheduled for completion in early June 2020.

Gazeley, one of the largest investors and developers of logistics warehouses and distribution parks in Europe and part of the globally operating GLP, opened an office in Amsterdam in 2018. Today, the firm's projects include the redevelopment of a large logistics project in Venray. To respond to the growing demand for space in the Arnhem/Nijmegen region, the logistics real estate investor purchased a large 19-hectare plot in March 2019 for the realization of the newly built G-Park distribution center, located in the Zevenaar business park Business Park 7Poort. It is strategically located near the A12 and A15 freeways and is part of the well-known Logistics Valley. This region connects two main ports in the Netherlands, namely the port of Rotterdam and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with the German Rhine-Rhine Valley. On behalf of the developer, Goldbeck Netherlands is building a mega distribution center. The family-owned company with branches all over Europe, its own engineering and production facility for precast concrete, steel, aluminum window frames and facade cladding focuses on turnkey projects for logistics halls, as well as industrial spaces, parking garages and office buildings.

First phase

"In a first phase, we are realizing a 52,000 m² logistics distribution center, split into two equal warehouses of 26,000 m², which can be perfectly adapted to the needs of one or more logistics service providers. To optimize the available storage space, the two units have a free height of over 12 meters. In addition, the new distribution center has a total of 50 overhead doors, 141 parking spaces and high quality office space," says Vincent Vierwind, director of Goldbeck Netherlands.

Goldbeck Netherlands is building a 52,000 sq. ft. logistics distribution center, split into two equal 26,000 sq. ft. warehouses, on behalf of investor and developer Gazeley.

Project Manager Krijn van Koolwijk adds: "We received this order in the summer of 2019 and immediately started the engineering and drawing work for the foundations, precast concrete, concrete floors and steel structures. After the earthwork, the first column was assembled on site in November. All precast parts are produced in our own factory and the other construction elements, except for the solar panels, are carried out in cooperation with several permanent partners from the Netherlands and Germany."

Renewable energy

Both warehouses are being developed according to the BREEAM 'Excellent' system. For example, the low-maintenance complex will be '100 percent electric,' with solar panels on the roof able to supply much of the energy required. High-quality LED lighting and innovative heating systems were also chosen. In addition, during construction everything possible will be done to reduce CO₂-emissions, reduce energy and water consumption, use certified and recycled building materials and rely as much as possible on renewable energy. "By early June 2020, the buildings should be completed so that they can be occupied in the third quarter of the year. In the future, Gazeley will then build out the rest of the available 130,000 square meters of rental space in several phases," the director and project manager concluded. "We are often involved in the realization of distribution centers, but this is still one of our biggest projects at the moment."