MLP Group invests in a modern business park in the Ruhr area

MLP Group is strengthening its position in the strategic German market. In the town of Castrop-Rauxel, it will develop its third business center in the Ruhr area region. The project, being built on post-industrial land, will provide approximately 57,000 sq. m. of sustainable, modern space, which will be certified to at least DGNB Gold standard. Flexible modules offered in the range of 1,000 to 10,000 sq. m. will be adapted to various types of activities, including data center needs.

MLP Group, as a leading European logistics and industrial real estate platform, is starting the implementation of a new, sixth project in Germany. The Group has acquired a plot of approximately 14.6 hectares in the town of Castrop-Rauxel in the Ruhr area. A modern business park modeled on the concept of MLP Business Park Schalke in Gelsenkirchen will be built there. It will be the third center located in this industrial part of Germany, alongside the complex already operating in Unna and the one being prepared in Gelsenkirchen.

 – Germany is our strategic direction for expansion. It is the largest market in Europe with still gigantic growth potential. Recently, we successfully conducted our first offering of green senior bonds worth 300 million euros. We will allocate a large part of the acquired funds to further development in this very country – says Radosław T. Krochta, CEO of MLP Group S.A.

MLP Business Park Castrop-Rauxel will provide approximately 55,000 sq. m. of modern warehouse space and 2,000 sq. m. of office space. It will be built on a brownfield site, which will be revitalized in accordance with the local spatial development plan. The facility, implemented while maintaining the highest ecological standards, will be certified to at least DGNB Gold standard. A photovoltaic system will be installed on the roof of the facility. The project also provides for the use of heat pumps as the main source of heating and the development of the roof as a green area. All solutions will support the efficient water and energy management of the facility.

„The new investment in Castrop-Rauxel fits perfectly into our development strategy on the German market. The location in the heart of the Ruhr area provides access to developed logistics infrastructure and proximity to key transport routes. The project will be adapted for diverse business activities, including the operation of a data center” – emphasizes Martin Birkert, Chief Country Officer Germany at MLP Group.

MLP Business Park Castrop-Rauxel has received a positive opinion from the municipal authorities. Within the offered modules, spaces in the range of 1,000 to 10,000 sq. m. will be available. The flexible concept of the park will allow for the use of space for diverse activities. The space will be adapted to the needs of light industry, warehouse and logistics activities, and other business functions, including, among others, data centers.

„Like many cities in the Ruhr region, Castrop-Rauxel was strongly associated with the coal and steel industry in the past. Currently, companies from various industries operate here. However, the availability of vacant commercial land is becoming increasingly limited. Thanks to the revitalization of the post-industrial site, new urgently needed space will be available to support the further development of enterprises. We are enthusiastic about this project, looking forward to close cooperation with MLP Group in order to transform this area into modern business spaces” – states Jens Langensiepen, Managing Director at Wirtschaft & Marketing Castrop-Rauxel GmbH.

The business park will be built at Wartburgstraße 81 in Castrop-Rauxel. The location offers a number of strategic benefits for future tenants. The investment is located with direct access to a developed network of motorways – at a distance of approximately 3 km there are the A2, A42, A43 and A45 motorways, ensuring excellent communication with the entire Ruhr area region and further destinations. The project has a convenient connection to the city center via a four-lane federal road 800 meters away. An additional advantage is the proximity of key logistics centers, including facilities of companies such as Dachser, UPS, ad Cargo, Recht Logistik, and distribution centers of IKEA and Hornbach. The Dortmund Airport is located approximately 34 km away, which translates into a 30-45 minute drive by car.

The plot purchase process involved the renowned real estate agency NAI Apollo, the law firm Goodwin, and the firm Berkers & Cie. supporting in the tax area.

In accordance with the „build & hold” strategy, MLP Group, after completing the construction of logistics parks, keeps them in its portfolio and manages them independently. All projects implemented by the Group are also distinguished by the very attractive location of the logistics parks, the use of built-to-suit solutions, and support for the tenant during the lease agreement.