From our point of view, this site is particularly suited to business and logistics. The combination of its size and its position in the heart of Europe, as well as excellent connections to the German and European motorway network and proximity to other major transport hubs (rail connections, Dutch sea ports, Duisburg river port), should make it attractive to a range of businesses. We also have the capacity to meet the needs of large and medium-sized companies, which should balance with the ample space for smaller businesses we will be providing. Ultimately, our aim over time is to create a diverse and successful park that integrates with the local area and offers a range of opportunities and jobs.
The needs of the local and regional economy have been an important part of our plans from the outset.
Our designs allocate a substantial portion of the park to be reserved exclusively for smaller businesses and smaller regional companies. It will provide an ultra-modern environment directly at the park entrance where they can operate and grow.
We also expect the park to provide a significant boost for local businesses through new partnerships, contracts and supply chain opportunities with our new occupiers.
Because we are still just at the beginning of the planning process, it’s too early to make a precise forecast about the number of new jobs being created, but we are currently estimating between 5,000 and 8,500 new jobs. What kind of companies will come to Javelin Park?
Much, of course, will depend upon the approved development plan. Our aim is to serve the needs of local businesses, medium-sized companies, manufacturers, logistics providers, ecommerce and retailers, which means creating a range of small, medium and large buildings – some of which will be built to occupiers’ own specifications. We also see start‑ups and technology companies taking space here and will be creating facilities targeted at these business’s needs.
Verdion and HOOPP are committed to the principles of environmental protection, social responsibility and sustainable corporate management. More details will emerge during the detailed design stages, but as examples we are expecting all buildings to target top levels of recognised environmental standards such as DGNB, LEED or BREEAM. All units will have roofs equipped with photovoltaics or solar thermal generation. Moreover, each new unit will have the necessary infrastructure for charging electric vehicles. We are also planning to use renewable energy generated on the grounds of the Energy and Business Park Elmpt to power the site.
We apply stringent environmental protection standards to all our projects. While this is already a brownfield site where most of the land has already been developed, we will ensure that areas within the park’s boundary are set aside to provide an environmental offset. We are also planning to undertake further rewilding so that green spaces and wildlife can be re-established here.
As with all property transactions in Germany, the acquisition of the site has been subject to real estate transfer tax, which in North Rhine-Westphalia amounts to 6.5% of the purchase price and has been paid to the state.
It is too early in the process to have clear estimates on ongoing local tax revenues.
The site’s history as a former RAF base and British Army barracks, as well as the close and positive relationship with the local community in Niederkrüchten-Elmpt, is quite unique.
It is important to us that as the plans move forward we feature this rich historical legacy in the new development, and we hope the local community will help us to assemble a collection of materials and mementos to put on display.
The project is being funded by Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), which manages the retirement assets of more than 380,000 healthcare workers in Canada and invests in European logistics real estate as part of its portfolio.
Verdion and HOOPP already work in close partnership on projects throughout Europe in the way that is being proposed for Javelin Park, with HOOPP financing the site purchase and development before holding it long-term, while Verdion develops and manages the asset.