Limburg consortium builds iconic gateway building at Logistics Campus Limburg

GENK – A Limburg-based consortium including Group Machiels and H.Essers is joining forces to construct an impressive gateway building at the Logistics Campus Limburg, located on the former Ford site in Genk. The consortium is acquiring four plots in zone A from POM Limburg and the city of Genk, where this new landmark will rise.

The Logistics Campus Limburg (LCL) is part of Logistics Valley Flanders, the large-scale redevelopment of the former Ford site covering no less than 134 hectares. The site is divided into three zones: A, B, and C. While zones B and C are already in full development with Genk Green Logistics, Port of Limburg, and H.Essers Dry Port, zone A will become the central meeting place for the logistics sector. In 2022, POM Limburg (80%) and the city of Genk (20%) jointly purchased 4.5 hectares of this central zone.

Logistics Assets
The entire 4.5 hectares are designated for the development of manufacturing and logistics-supporting activities and the construction of a gateway building. Tom Vandeput, Provincial Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg: “With the Logistics Campus Limburg, we aim to create a meeting place where innovation, collaboration, and digitalization go hand in hand. This campus strengthens Limburg’s logistical assets thanks to its location near the Albert Canal, the railway, and the E313 and E314 motorways. It will become a crucial hub for the region.”

Mayor of Genk Wim Dries adds: “As mayor, I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made on this site. The iconic gateway building will be the eye-catcher of the latest developments. The fact that we’re doing this with local partners inspires confidence for the future. Together, we are strengthening the region’s economy and creating many new jobs.”

Best Candidate
POM Limburg and the city of Genk were looking for a partner to acquire and develop the entire site. The collaboration between Group Machiels and H.Essers emerged as the best candidate. Louis Machiels, Chairman of the Board at Group Machiels: “In addition to what we have already accomplished with Genk Green Logistics and Port of Limburg, we are pleased to now also play an important role as a family-owned Limburg company in the construction of the iconic gateway building — the final piece and eye-catcher of the reconversion and employment development of this site.”

H.Essers CEO Gert Bervoets: “As the first investor in the reconversion of this location with its rich history, we feel privileged to realize the final piece of this site together with our partners. This iconic gateway building, located at the heart of Limburg’s logistics hub, is not only a symbol of innovation and sustainability, but also a beacon in Europe. It marks the strategic position between the seaports and the European hinterland and represents a milestone in development that confirms our position as a leader in the logistics world.”

Landmark
The tall gateway building at the Logistics Campus Limburg will serve as a landmark for Logistics Valley Flanders. The iconic structure will be built primarily from wood and concrete and will incorporate sustainable features such as solar and wind energy and water conservation. At the same time, it will offer space for various functions. Tom Vandeput: “We are considering offices for administrative services to the logistics and industrial sectors, training facilities, local port satellites, and even a supermarket or hospitality venue.” POM Limburg will strengthen the logistics and warehousing ecosystem from the Logistics Campus and thereby contribute to the innovation and growth of the logistics sector in Limburg.