Goodman is developing a logistics centre of around 70,000 sqm at the Star Park in Halle (Saale) for leading online furniture retailer home24. The property is being built on a 133,510 sqm plot. The completion of the logistics property is scheduled for early 2019.
Star Park in Halle was the chosen location because it offers excellent transport infrastructure with direct links to the A14 motorway. The new warehouse will have a logistics area of 70,000 sqm including 1,790 sqm of office space and a 1,095 sqm mezzanine area. The property group has already developed logistics facilities for the online retailer in Ludwigsfeld near Berlin and in Walsrode (Lower Saxony).
Halle’s solid growth as a logistics hub is largely due to its outstanding global transport links. Key routes for multimodal international goods transport run through the region, allowing home24 to quickly service its core markets of Germany, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. There are several motorways – the A9, A14, A38, and A143 – in the immediate vicinity. In addition, there is an excellent connection with the rail network and Leipzig/Halle Airport, Germany’s second-largest cargo airport, is just 15 minutes away.
“Given the current strong demand in the area and the amount of current development we expect all the space at Star Park will have been taken by the end of 2019. That’s why we are already looking into developing new space,” says Mayor Dr. Bernd Wiegand. “With further new companies settling here, it is obvious that Star Park’s central location in the metropolitan region, with direct links to motorways, the airport and a rail marshalling yard, is also proving attractive to international investors,” says Dieter Götte, Managing Director of EVG Halle-Saalkreis mbH.
“Halle is an attractive location for us, due to its ideal location and good transport connections. We have already carried out several projects with Goodman, and look forward to continuing our cooperation,” says a company spokesman for home24.
Christof Prange, Goodman Germany’s Head of Business Development, said: “The Leipzig/Halle logistics region has played an increasing role in our growth strategy in recent years. Goodman currently owns and manages several properties there, leased by well-known companies including Hellmann Worldwide Logistics. The City of Halle have assigned a dedicated property person to help enable the rapid implementation of new property projects, which in turn assists us to develop new properties for our customers. We have recently invested further in Halle and have plans to develop another 150,000 square metres of logistics space. With planning permission issued so promptly, we have been able to commence building a 35,000 sqm logistics facility.”
home24 is one of the leading online retailers of home accessories. With an extensive range of over 100,000 furniture and furnishing products for the home and garden. The Berlin-based company has more than 1,000 employees worldwide. In Europe, the company delivers its products – regardless of size and weight – free of charge to the homes of its customers and also offers free returns.
