Logistics at the heart of economic development in Hauts-de-France

Driven by the continued growth in the retail and e-commerce sectors across Europe, the logistics property market is reaching record levels in France with more than 2,3 million sqm leased for logistics purposes since the beginning of 2017. The Hauts-de-France region is one of the most active in this sector, with 200,000 sqm leased during the first three quarters of 2017^[1]. Goodman, one of the world’s leading integrated property groups, has become the principal name in the region over the past few years, developing logistics property solutions for many retailers and e-tailers, including Amazon, Carrefour and E.Leclerc.

“Logistics is a major contributor to economic growth and job creation. Thanks to the quality of the land, multiple employment catchment areas and its motorway connections, which provide a strategic position to access both Western and Southern Europe, our region is one of the most vibrant in France in the logistics property market. With these key assets, we are able to attract major names from the distribution and e-commerce sectors, including the world leader, who, in five years, deployed four logistics platforms built in the Hauts-de-France region and created several hundred jobs.”, says Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France region.

Goodman – the leading name for logistics property in Hauts-de-France

For five years, Goodman has been actively contributing to the growth in the logistics property industry in Hauts-de-France across numerous developments. In close collaboration with its clients – including Amazon, Log’S, Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Kuehne+Nagel – Goodman has developed more than 425,000 sqm in the region:

• Lomme: a 30,000 sqm logistics centre
• Lauwin-Planque: four logistics buildings totalling 210,000 sqm, developed over the course of four years.
• Vendin-le-Vieil: a 55,000 sqm logistics centre
• Carvin: a 22,000 sqm logistics centre specialising in cold logistics
• Amiens: a 107,000 sqm logistics centre delivered in the autumn of 2017
• A new 55,000 sqm logistics centre is also being developed, on 16.5 hectares of land in Senlis.

The Douaisis logistics story

“Across its numerous projects, Goodman is actively participating in the development and the economic vitality of Douaisis. This partnership between Goodman and the Douaisis regional community also confirms our capacity to attract and support growing businesses and to create long-term job opportunities,” says Christian Poiret, president of the Douaisis regional community and mayor of Lauwin-Planque. “After the success of developments in Lauwin-Planque, the adventure is continuing on ground in Lambres-lez-Douai, which is ready to welcome three new logistics centres totalling 158,000 sqm.”

A dynamic region, poised for further growth in logistics

The potential for development in the Hauts-de-France region is among the highest in France, with 1,850,000 sqm of land, including 850,000 sqm in the Bassin Minier region which continues to be a particularly strategic area^[1]. Goodman remains strongly involved in the region with almost 400,000 sqm in development and over approximately 85 hectares of landbank.

“The Hauts-de-France region offers considerable advantages for logistics facilities; it has an ideal geographic position on the main national logistics axis, with ample employment resources and a vibrant economy driven by dedicated local councillors,” says Philippe Arfi, managing director of Goodman France. “Historically the region has served as the key destination for several large retail and mail order brands, supporting their growth. The next evolution of this is logistics activities for e-commerce and distribution. The story has only just begun and logistics has a bright future in this region, with many more projects still to be developed.”

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^[1] Source: Arthur Loyd Logistics – Logistics Property Market Review, Q3 2017