Goodman, a global expert in logistics real estate, has been named the number 1 developer in Europe for the fourth consecutive year by the prestigious PropertyEU service. Over the past three years, Goodman has built nearly two million sqm of new space in Europe, with another 800,000 sqm currently under development.
The PropertyEU ranking, a leading provider of information, analysis, and data on the European commercial real estate market, was prepared based on data regarding the area of projects completed between 2012 and 2014, space under construction, as well as planned projects. Goodman’s strong performance was primarily driven by its leading position in the e-commerce sector, as well as growth in projects for the automotive and retail sectors and logistics companies. The vast majority of projects were leased before construction began.
– Our leading position in the sector is a result of the trust our clients place in us. The growth of our portfolio shows that we are able to provide our clients with the highest quality industrial real estate – says Philippe van der Beken, Managing Director of Goodman for Continental Europe.
Strong growth across Europe
Among Goodman’s largest European projects in 2014 was a 123,000 sqm logistics center for Amazon in Poland. This was the 13th project carried out in Europe by Goodman for this global e-commerce leader since 2006. Furthermore, Goodman expanded the facility for Zalando in Mönchengladbach, Germany, doubling its area from the original 78,000 sqm to 134,000 sqm, making it the largest warehouse for the e-commerce sector in Europe. In Poland, Goodman also completed a warehouse and office facility for the retail chain Grupa Muszkieterów in Poznań, as well as a logistics center for the market-Detal retail chain in Konin – the total area of both projects amounted to 122,000 sqm. Goodman also signed the largest agreement in years in the Barcelona region for the construction of a 40,000 sqm distribution center for Decathlon.
Thanks to the signing of two pre-let agreements in 2014, Goodman strengthened its position in Poland by starting the construction of new logistics centers in Wrocław and Poznań. The Group also expanded the Goodman Kraków Airport Logistics Centre and the Pomeranian Logistics Centre located right next to the DCT Gdańsk container terminal. In both parks, part of the space under construction has already been contracted, and part is being developed speculatively.
Growing responsibility
In the facilities under management, as well as those under construction, Goodman has installed a number of solutions aimed at reducing operating costs for clients. Currently, Goodman is conducting an extensive program to implement LED lighting. Upon its completion, Goodman’s portfolio will include over 700,000 sqm of logistics space equipped with LED lighting. Furthermore, over one million sqm of Goodman’s space has received various environmental certifications.