Looking ahead to logistics in Venlo: designing for the long term 

Venlo is adding a brand new logistics center to its horizon this year. Rhenus Logistics, a global logistics service provider, will be the first occupant of this already iconic commercial building, designed by Convex Architects.

After a successful collaboration in Maarssen, Convexarchitecten was again engaged by the Scottish investment company abrdn. Whereas in Maarssen the design was made solely to abrdn's request, in Venlo a user hooked up early on. "In Maarssen, the building for 80% was ready when a tenant was found," says senior project manager Ronald Helderman. "In Venlo, Rhenus showed interest in the site as early as the sketch design phase. Rhenus Logistics leases the building for the next 15 years and was given the opportunity to bring in its user requirements."

And that's where Convex Architects went straight to work. "Rhenus had challenging requirements," adds director Peter Couwenbergh. "The building is used 24/7 and access control therefore plays an important role. Even when the office is closed, work continues in the cross-dock hall. Of course, it must also be a safe and pleasant working environment for those employees."

Sustainability as a core value

"We aimed to make the building not only functional, but also pleasant for the employees," Couwenbergh says. "The centrally located office provides optimal connection between the large storage warehouse and the advanced cross-dock." Truck drivers also have a nice space in the new building to pause and refresh, Helderman adds. "At the head of the building you will find a number of loading and unloading platforms. Because not all goods can be unloaded through the back of the trucks, there are two 14-meter loading bays where side loading is possible."

"Sustainability is a core value in our approach and that of abrdn and Rhenus," says Couwenbergh. "The center therefore not only meets current requirements, such as BREEAM Excellent and WELL Silver, but is also focused on the future. There will be a charging plaza on the forecourt where Rhenus' electric trucks will be charged by the solar panels on the center's roof. The long-term vision of sustainability and maintenance played an important role in the choices made." 

Departing from Venlo

Venlo, on the border with Germany, is a crucial location for transporters. Helderman emphasizes why that strategic location is ideal for tenant Rhenus: "The company has been based in Venlo for years. It is the perfect base for a logistics powerhouse operating throughout Europe; right on the main highways between the Netherlands and Germany and far beyond."

The site where the new logistics center is being built previously housed several buildings. "When we hooked up in 2022, it was clear that the hodgepodge of existing buildings did not fit abrdn's thinking and was ripe for demolition," Helderman says. "After just over a year of preliminary work, construction preparations began in May 2023. And in July 2024, it will be ready for completion." An impressive timeline for a building of this size.