August 23, 2024 | Rachel Foppen
Logicor is an owner, manager, and developer of logistic real estate in Europe. As a long-term investor, Logicor in the Netherlands chooses buildings that optimally support the further growth of its customers' businesses. The local team of Logicor in the Netherlands is based in Amsterdam's Zuidas and focuses on the continuous improvement and optimization of the real estate portfolio. This includes a mix of sustainability initiatives, redevelopment of outdated buildings, and the acquisition of new development sites. "There is now a slightly better balance between supply and demand," says Van Gastel. "For our customers, this leads to more opportunities. Moving for those who need it is back on the agenda, and there is room to redevelop outdated real estate and expand where possible."
On the investment side, Van Gastel sees increasing activity. He explains: "The initial yields of logistic transactions seem to be stabilizing and buyers see dynamism in logistic real estate. The available capital in the market is therefore largely directed towards logistics, as evidenced by both the increasing number of transactions and the larger size of transactions in recent months."
Redevelopment projects
Logicor remains committed to the strategy focused on purchasing strategic development sites and redeveloping, making sustainable, and optimizing the current portfolio.
In Roosendaal, Logicor is currently replacing an existing 15,000 m² warehouse directly on the A17 with a modern warehouse of over 25,000 m². Although the redevelopment has just started, the lease agreement has already been signed. In Venray, preparations have started for the demolition and new construction of a 25,000 m² warehouse on the Smakterheide industrial estate along the A73. Both new warehouses will be delivered with a BREEAM-NL Excellent certification and various sustainability measures, including LED lighting, solar panels, charging stations for electric vehicles, and heat pumps for heating and cooling. "At both locations, a larger area can be realized than the current building by utilizing the existing plot more intelligently," says Van Gastel.
In addition to the strong focus on sustainability, there is also much attention to improving the efficiency of buildings. For example, Logicor invests in super-flat floors with high load-bearing capacity to meet the technical requirements that automation and robotics in the sector demand.
Modernizing and making sustainable
"The number of development positions for new logistic real estate is limited in the Netherlands, so we have to be more creative," says Van Gastel. "Demolition and new construction offer us the chance to modernize and make the portfolio more sustainable, making it better aligned with future user demand. Additionally, we selectively look at new land positions in strategic locations that do not yet have a commercial designation. Places where we see great opportunities to meet our customers' needs while also connecting with economic and societal developments."
Sustainable innovations
Logicor strives for the highest sustainability standards and sets the bar high with BREEAM-Excellent certifications for all new construction projects. In addition to achieving these certifications, Logicor is implementing advanced energy management systems at three locations that combine grid connections with solar panels and batteries. "With the solar panels, we generate our own energy, but it is not always used immediately, for example, on weekends. The energy management system ensures that energy surpluses are stored in a battery so that they can be used later," explains Van Gastel. "Additionally, the system contributes to delivering higher electrical power by drawing energy from the PV panels. This makes us less dependent on the electricity grid, which in the Netherlands is limited at almost every location due to grid congestion. From the PV panels, we can provide our customers with sustainable energy for a large part of the year. However, for longer periods without sun, a grid connection or an alternative such as a diesel generator is needed."
Societal impact
In addition to sustainability, the societal impact is of great importance to Logicor. "Our real estate ensures that we can continue to meet the ever-growing demand for process and distribution locations. Logistic real estate is an indispensable link in both the economy and the daily needs of consumers. That does not mean we should randomly erect new logistic buildings in the Netherlands. We need to be creative with space, contribute to a sustainable society and find solutions to complex issues such as grid congestion and nitrogen policy," says Van Gastel.
"By investing in smart, sustainable, and efficient redevelopments and new construction projects, we contribute to strengthening the infrastructure and improving the livability in the regions where we are active. We work closely with local communities and governments to ensure that our projects are not only economically but also socially responsible. Ultimately, we strive for a balance between economic growth and social responsibility, ensuring that logistic real estate, as the backbone of our society, benefits everyone."
Alexander van Gastel has been responsible for the Netherlands and Belgium at Logicor since November 2022. Van Gastel has been active in real estate for fourteen years. He was first a broker at Colliers and then responsible for acquisitions and sales in the Netherlands at Patrizia.
Logicor has recently completed a 23,000 sq.m. logistics warehouse in Helmond. This facility meets the most modern user requirements and is located in one of the top three logistics hotspots in the Netherlands. The warehouse is situated on a site of almost 32,000 m² and offers excellent accessibility. A key feature of this modern development is its high sustainability standard, evidenced by a BREEAM-NL Excellent certificate for the building and an A+++ EPC certificate for the energy efficiency of the distribution centre.
Additionally, Logicor has completed the construction of two new last-mile city hubs in Almere and Zoetermeer. Both Almere and Zoetermeer are strategically important locations within the Randstad region for last-mile operations due to the large number of households accessible from these cities. Almere is well-suited for servicing a large area in and around Amsterdam, while Zoetermeer can serve the entire western Randstad, with The Hague and Rotterdam as key cities. These developments also meet high sustainability standards, featuring a BREEAM-NL Excellent (New Build) certificate, an all-electric air conditioning concept, solar panels on the roofs, LED lighting, and electric charging stations.