March 31, 2025 | Rachel Foppen
Logicor is not only an investor but also an active developer shaping the future of logistics real estate in the Netherlands and Europe. With a strong focus on brownfield developments and smart energy solutions, they provide not just space but also energy security and flexibility for their customers. Alexander van Gastel, Managing Director of Logicor Netherlands, discusses the strategy through which this developing investor anticipates the logistics challenges of tomorrow.
In a challenging logistics real estate market, Logicor seizes opportunities through innovation and strategic redevelopment. “Although the dynamics in the logistics sector are shifting, the demand for high-quality, flexible, and energy-efficient distribution centres remains strong,” says Alexander van Gastel. “We proactively respond by strategically developing and redeveloping existing locations. After all, good locations will always be in demand.”
Logicor’s development strategy focuses on both new construction and the redevelopment of existing properties. A distribution centre in Lelystad was recently completed, with a full redevelopment in Roosendaal to be delivered in the coming weeks, and new construction on an outdated DC in Venray set to begin before the end of the year. “We fully focus on tenant demand: a sustainable and flexible building, BREEAM-certified, and with a solution for grid congestion. The fact that Roosendaal was fully leased even before redevelopment started proves that we are on the right track.”
Energy Supply as a Key Issue
Energy supply is a major issue in the logistics sector. Logicor addresses this with its own microgrids and smart energy solutions. "What sets us apart is that we are not dependent on external energy operators. While others work with lease contracts for solar panels and batteries, we manage these in-house. This ensures predictable energy costs without additional margins per kWh. This aligns with a broader trend where logistics real estate must be not only functional but also sustainable and energy efficient. Our locations are designed as energy-efficient hubs that can operate off-grid with only a backup facility connected to the grid. Ready for the future."
Self-Sufficient Logistics Buildings
The real estate market is at a tipping point, says Van Gastel: “The fundamentals remain strong, with continued healthy demand from users. At the same time, sustainability and regulations are playing an increasingly significant role.” The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and zero-emission zones in cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam are making outdated distribution centres without sustainable solutions less attractive to tenants. Van Gastel: “We anticipate this by making our buildings self-sufficient with solar energy and battery storage.”
Logicor redevelops brownfield locations as part of its strategy to strengthen its market position in key logistics hotspots such as Roosendaal and Venray. “Through redevelopment, we transform existing logistics real estate in these strategic locations into high-quality, sustainable distribution centres that are future proof.” Brownfield locations offer several advantages, according to Van Gastel: “They are often faster to develop due to existing infrastructure, and they provide a sustainable alternative to Greenfields, where delays and connection issues are common.”
Innovation
A recent study by Cushman & Wakefield found that 42% of tenants are willing to pay higher rents if it results in lower energy costs, and sustainable distribution centres in Europe achieve 20% higher rental and sales values. This confirms that investments in sustainability are not only necessary but also financially attractive. Logicor fully capitalizes on this development with modern technical specifications and innovative solutions for grid congestion.
Van Gastel: “The redevelopment of the distribution centre in Venray, which we aim to start this year, will include a modern, energy-efficient facility of nearly 24,000 m² divided into two units. This location will also be redeveloped according to the highest sustainability standards, featuring a BREEAM Excellent certification, a clear height of 12.2 meters, 22 loading docks, solar panels, energy storage, and a rainwater buffer.”
Municipal Collaboration
Logicor’s plans are ambitious. “In addition to new construction in Lelystad and redevelopments in Roosendaal and Venray, we continue to explore new opportunities, which come with their own challenges. Collaboration with municipalities is crucial to our strategy. Despite complex circumstances such as nitrogen regulations, we see a strong willingness among municipalities to support sustainable projects that contribute to climate goals, regional and local economies, and working conditions in local labour markets.”
Lelystad – Energy Secure and Immediately Available
The new distribution centre in Lelystad is an example of a modern, sustainable, and future-proof development. The BREEAM Very Good certified complex integrates solar energy and battery storage, enabling it to operate entirely off-grid and independently of grid capacity. It is suitable for logistics as well as production companies and is immediately available. In total, the complex comprises approximately 40,000 m² of high-quality space, divided into three independent units.
Roosendaal – Modern and Energy-Efficient
Roosendaal is a prime example of how Logicor redevelops existing logistics real estate into sustainable and efficient distribution centres. The existing property has been demolished and replaced with a new, future-proof distribution centre that meets the highest standards in energy efficiency and flexibility. It is fully electric and off-grid, featuring solar panels, battery storage, and an advanced energy management system, allowing it to function independently of grid capacity.
Roosendaal
Venray – Smart Design for Maximum Efficiency
In Venray, Logicor hopes to begin redeveloping a nearly 24,000 m² distribution centre this year. This will also be a new and modern complex, energy-efficient, and BREEAM Excellent certified. Its modular design and flexible layout allow for customization to meet the specific needs of future tenants. Completion is scheduled for mid-2026.
Alexander van Gastel
Since November 2022, Alexander van Gastel has been the commercial face of Logicor in the Netherlands. He is responsible for all acquisitions and asset management. Van Gastel has been active in real estate for fifteen years. He started as a broker at Colliers and later became responsible for all acquisitions and sales in the Netherlands at PATRIZIA.
This was an article published week 13 by PropertyNL