Prologis kicks off construction of new logistics park in the Ruhr region

Prologis has commenced construction on a new logistics development in Herne, Germany, reinforcing its presence in one of Europe's most in-demand urban logistics markets.

Groundbreaking ceremony for Prologis’ logistics facility in Herne

The project will transform a 36,400 m2 brownfield site in the Ruhr region, unused since 2020, into a modern logistics hub. It will feature two buildings offering approximately 20,500 m2 of space, with completion expected by the end of 2026. This initiative addresses the high demand for well-connected logistics facilities while revitalising previously dormant land.

The Herne location is strategically advantageous, boasting direct access to the A43 motorway and connections to the A2 corridor, which links the Netherlands to Central and Eastern Europe. Dortmund Airport is also just 35 kilometres away. The broader Ruhr region, with its population of 5.1 million, remains a prime logistics market in Germany due to its extensive network of motorways, railways, airports, and inland ports.

Sustainability is a core focus of the development, which is targeting DGNB Platinum certification. The buildings will feature lower-carbon steel in the roof and low-carbon concrete in the base slab, aiming to reduce embodied carbon during construction and support long-term circularity goals.

The energy plan includes a green roof and a 1 MW photovoltaic system. Prologis will also install electric vehicle charging infrastructure for cars, vans, and trucks, assisting future tenants in transitioning to lower-emission operations. The two buildings are designed to accommodate multiple users or customised solutions, and Prologis is already in discussions with potential clients.

René Faber, director of Capital Deployment at Prologis Germany, stated: “In well-connected parts of the Ruhr region, available space is in short supply. At the same time, demand for modern logistics space remains high – particularly in areas where companies need to be close to customers, the workforce and transport links. The project in Herne will bring a brownfield industrial site back into use – for companies from a range of sectors with varying requirements.”

Prologis maintains a substantial presence throughout the Ruhr region, with existing facilities in cities such as Dortmund, Herten, Herne, Bottrop, and Datteln.

The company is also undertaking a separate project in nearby Dortmund to redevelop a 278,000 m2 brownfield site into a new urban logistics and business park.