Limburg consortium builds iconic gateway building on Logistics Campus Limburg
A Limburg-based consortium, including Group Machiels and H.Essers, is joining forces to realise an impressive gateway building on the Logistics Campus Limburg, located on the former Ford site in Genk. The consortium purchased four plots in zone A from POM Limburg and the City of Genk, where this new landmark will be developed.
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 well under 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.
Logistical 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, Deputy for Economy and Chairman of POM Limburg: “With the Logistics Campus Limburg, we want to create a meeting place where innovation, collaboration and digitalisation 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 extremely proud of the progress we have made on this site. The iconic gateway building will be the eye-catcher of the latest developments. The fact that we are doing this with local partners inspires confidence for the future. Together, we are strengthening the regional economy and will be able to create many new jobs.”
Best candidate
POM Limburg and the City of Genk were looking for a partner for the acquisition and development of the entire site. The collaboration between Group Machiels and H.Essers emerged as the best candidate. Louis Machiels, Chairman of the Board of Group Machiels: “In addition to what we have already realised with Genk Green Logistics and Port of Limburg, we are pleased, as a family-owned Limburg company, to now also play an important role in the construction of the iconic gateway building, the finishing piece and the eye-catcher of the reconversion and employment on this site.”
Gert Bervoets, CEO of H.Essers: “As the first investor in the reconversion of this site with a rich history, we feel privileged to realise the final piece of this site together with our partners. This iconic gateway building, located at the crossroads of Limburg’s logistical heart, 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 development milestone that confirms our position as a frontrunner in the logistics world.”
Landmark
The tall gateway building of the Logistics Campus Limburg will serve as a landmark for Logistics Valley Flanders. The iconic building will be mainly constructed of wood and concrete and will include sustainable elements such as solar and wind energy and water-saving measures. At the same time, it will offer space for various functions. Tom Vandeput: “We are thinking of offices for administrative services to the logistics and industrial sector, training facilities, local satellite offices of ports, and a hospitality venue is also possible.” From the Logistics Campus Limburg, POM Limburg will strengthen the ecosystem around logistics and warehousing, thereby contributing to the innovation and growth of the logistics sector in Limburg.
