Verdion plans to develop a third distribution centre targeting DGNB Platinum and providing around 15,120 sq m of new Grade A warehousing space at Verdion ExpoPark Hanover near the city’s exhibition centre.
Pan-European logistics specialist Verdion will this month submit the building permit application for a €30 million sustainable facility that will be developed speculatively.
Construction is set to start in the second quarter this year, with completion scheduled for summer 2024.
The property can be reconfigured flexibly and divided into two units. Unit 1 encompasses 9,240 sq m of warehousing, 1,185 sq m of mezzanine and 540 sq m of communal space; Unit 2 includes 3,225 sq m of warehousing, 770 sq m of mezzanine and 540 sqm of communal space. In total the facility will offer 15 loading bays, four level access doors and parking space for 20 bicycles and 53 cars – including twelve with EV charging points.
Verdion is targeting the highest level of DGNB sustainability rating – Platinum – for the facility. In addition to energy efficiency measures, it will install air source heat pump which will be operated either with energy generated directly on site or geothermal power. At the same time, Verdion plans to mount a photovoltaic array on the roof which will generate 1.2 million kWh pa – and thus save around 564,000 kg of CO2 emissions over the same period. Vertical window fronts will provide ample supply of daylight and a comfortable working atmosphere inside the building.
André Banschus, Executive Director at Verdion, says: “We are very much looking forward to delivering this third project in Hanover. Its strategic location with excellent local, regional and national transport connections is compelling and the decision to start construction speculatively – as we did with the previous phase – should be an advantage for occupiers wanting to move quickly. Another benefit is the close working relationship with the City, which makes Hanover a very attractive location not just for us but also any occupiers deciding to relocate or expand here.”
Anja Ritschel, Head of the Economic and Environmental Department of the City of Hanover, said: “As a business partner of the state capital, Verdion has unlocked a new site and led a construction project to success, which serves as a best-practice example in terms of environmental standards in the logistics sector and has created numerous new jobs. We are wishing the company continued success for the future of their sustainable investment on site.”
Verdion ExpoPark Hanover is already home to two distribution centres comprising 46,700 sqm and 59,800 sqm of space, respectively. Both are let to Arvato Supply Chain Solutions, part of the Bertelsmann Group.
The site is located inside the city boundaries, directly bordering the Messeschnellweg dual carriageway which links it to the A2, A7, A37 and A352 motorways around Hanover. The DB MegaHub freight depot in Lehrte is 20 km away and a five-minute walk leads to the tram station Stockholmer Allee, which links the site to the city centre as well as its wider public transport network.
The development will be funded by the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), which will retain ownership of the site long-term. Followi