Panattoni Acquires 62,000 m² Site in Cologne

Panattoni, the leading project developer for industrial and logistics properties in Europe, secures 62,000 m² of land for the development of a new Panattoni Park in close proximity to Cologne’s city center. The property will be built to high sustainability standards on a historic site in the northern district of Niehl and offers excellent connectivity. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2024, with completion expected in the third quarter of 2025.

(Hamburg/Cologne) The Panattoni Park Cologne II will be developed without pre-letting on a site area of approximately 62,000 m², just 1 km away from the recently announced Panattoni Campus Cologne, which is part of the integrated production and logistics quarter FUSION COLOGNE. The area of the Panattoni Park Cologne II has a long industrial history and has been used by Ford for prototype production since the 1950s. Upon completion, the property will feature around 35,000 m² of industrial and logistics space, including 2,600 m² of office and social space as well as 2,600 m² of mezzanine space. The park consists of two separate buildings with a total of six units, each with an area size between 5,000 m² and 6,000 m². These are flexibly divisible, making the property suitable for a variety of commercial uses. The height of the two halls is 10 m UKB. Additionally, 120 car and 6 truck parking spaces are planned for the outdoor areas.

Close Proximity to Cologne City Center

The modern logistics and industrial property is being developed in close proximity to Cologne’s city center and has direct access to the A1 motorway, which in turn allows for quick access to the A3, A57, and A59 motorways. The location also benefits from its proximity to the Niehler Hafen and Cologne-Bonn Airport, providing excellent multimodal connectivity. Public transport stops are also located nearby.

Dr. Manfred Janssen, Managing Director of KölnBusiness Economic Development: “For an attractive economic metropolis like Cologne to grow, new and modern spaces for companies are needed. Panattoni is creating high-quality spaces for logistics and industrial companies through the revitalization of the former Ford site, which will further advance the economic location. Companies have an excellent starting position in Cologne – whether in terms of IT and communication infrastructure or transport connections. As KölnBusiness Economic Development, we actively support companies and project developers in implementing their projects in Cologne.”

In project development, Panattoni focuses on sustainability and aims for at least a certification according to the DGNB Gold standard. Extensive sustainability measures are being implemented, including the installation of a photovoltaic system (PV) on the roof and the use of rainwater. Additionally, green roofs are planned for the sprinkler center as well as for the smoking and bicycle shelters. Finally, the developer is creating recreational areas for employees and wildflower meadows.

Flexibly Usable Spaces

Fred-Markus Bohne, Managing Partner for Panattoni Germany and Austria, says: “We feel very comfortable in Cologne. With the Panattoni Park Cologne II, we are developing the second project directly in the city area, alongside the Panattoni Campus Cologne, which is only one kilometer away, with its park and city dock areas. In Cologne-Niehl, flexibly usable spaces are being created that are suitable for a wide range of users. Future tenants will benefit from the excellent location in a dynamic region – the Cologne city center, Leverkusen, and Düsseldorf are all quickly accessible. Collaboration with all parties involved is professional and constructive. These are the best conditions to drive the realization of the project forward with full force.”

Construction Start in the Third Quarter

The international real estate advisor CBRE has brokered the site used by Ford in a structured bidding process and under the exclusive mandate of Ford to Panattoni and will also handle the marketing of the spaces. Construction is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2024, with completion planned for the third quarter of 2025.

Photo: © Panattoni