Looking to the future - Thesauros and Fusion Cologne seal close collaboration

Multilevel logistics in a new dimension. As Cologne-based companies, the Thesauros Group and Fusion Cologne GmbH are sending out a joint signal in favour of strengthening the economy and Cologne as a logistics location by launching a 250 million euro project.

The signing of a landmark project agreement has signalled the start of the development of the major "Gateway" and "Crossroads" projects on the Fusion Cologne industrial site in the north of Cologne. With an investment volume of more than €250 million, the project sets unique standards for sustainable and innovative industrial and logistics space. The realisation of both projects should be completed by 2030.

In order to realise the two major projects, the partners are each concentrating on their core competencies. Thesauros is responsible for financing via a regulated AIF (alternative investment fund) and is in charge of investor management and marketing. Fusion Cologne is responsible for obtaining building rights and operational project management. Both projects are being built on leasehold land owned by Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK).

The two multi-level properties are being built on a 101,000 square metre site and impress with a total usable area of 157,000 square metres of gross floor area (GFA). As the centrepiece of the ultra-modern "Fusion Cologne" industrial quarter, the two properties will provide a new home for logistics service providers, innovative manufacturing companies and research and development.

The future tenants will have access to corresponding high-bay storage space as well as office and mezzanine space. Car parking decks will be built between two lorry loading decks. The hall areas can each be divided into up to six separate units. The planning application for the "Crossroads" project is due to be submitted in 2025. Construction is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2027. Work on the "Gateway" project will begin six months later - with a time delay.

The trimodal connection to the international transport network is an outstanding locational advantage and a prerequisite for attracting industry and logistics. Gateway and Crossroads have a direct connection to the international rail network, a link to the Niehl harbour with direct connections by barge and train to the western ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp, the German North Sea ports and the industries along the Rhine. The A1, A3 and A57 motorways are just a few minutes away. Cologne-Bonn Airport, one of Europe's most important air freight centres, is only 20 minutes away and offers 24/7 operations.

Thesauros and Fusion Cologne are focussing on a sustainable business model. The entire new neighbourhood is to be climate-neutral by 2035. Renewable energies and low-emission logistics serve as the core building blocks here. Central components are the use of local heating from the neighbouring waste incineration plant and the power supply from large-scale photovoltaic systems. In addition, up to 40 % of the façades will be greened. The projects thus make a significant contribution to reducing_CO2 and contribute to the city of Cologne's climate targets. In addition to climate protection and economic goals, the neighbourhood also creates social added value. When fully operational, around 500 new jobs will initially be created in an urban environment. All of these points contribute to DGNB Gold certification, which is being sought for both the buildings and the entire neighbourhood.