Swiss Life Asset Managers acquires 100,000 sqm Brownfield Site in North Rhine-Westphalia

Swiss Life Asset Managers is expanding its logistics portfolio in North Rhine-Westphalia with the acquisition of a 100,000-square-metre brownfield site in the Rhine-Ruhr region. The site, located in Bottrop, will be transformed into a modern logistics hub and office development, adding over 33,000 square metres of leasable space to the company’s growing portfolio.

The new “Central Ruhr” project, situated on Hiberniastraße, will feature state-of-the-art logistics facilities, including 33,400 square metres of rental space, a dedicated office building, and extensive outdoor storage areas. Development is set to commence in 2025, with RUHR REAL acting as the broker for the acquisition.

Bottrop, located within the Ruhr area—the largest urban agglomeration in Germany—is a prime logistics destination due to its central European location and strong transport links. The site offers easy access to major highways, including the A2, A31, and A52, all within five kilometres, and is just 25 kilometres from the Port of Duisburg, Europe’s largest inland port.

“The Ruhr area is a central European logistics region and an important location for our pan-European investment strategy,” said Ingo Steves, Managing Partner Logistics at Swiss Life Asset Managers. “With ‘Central Ruhr,’ we are strengthening our presence in North Rhine-Westphalia, adding another state-of-the-art facility to our ‘Roots’ development pipeline.”

Swiss Life Asset Managers is prioritizing sustainability in the project, aiming to revitalize the brownfield site in line with internationally recognized environmental standards. Alexander Schmid, Head of Development Logistics at Swiss Life Asset Managers, emphasized the importance of reusing industrial land rather than developing greenfield sites, contributing to environmental preservation in densely populated areas.

The logistics facility will feature three building units with 12-metre clear heights, allowing for flexible leasing to either a single tenant or multiple users. The total rental space includes 29,505 square metres of storage space, 1,800 square metres of office and social space, and 2,090 square metres of mezzanine areas. Additionally, a separate 842-square-metre office building and outdoor storage areas will complement the development.

The project’s sustainable energy concept includes the installation of heat pumps and a photovoltaic roof system, with the goal of achieving BREEAM “Very Good” certification, reflecting the company’s commitment to energy-efficient, eco-friendly real estate development.

The Central Ruhr project marks Swiss Life Asset Managers’ fourth logistics development in North Rhine-Westphalia. The company has already successfully delivered DeltaPort I in Wesel, DeltaPort II in Voerde, and Düsseldorf East in Wülfrath, all of which are fully leased under long-term agreements.

With strong demand for high-quality logistics space and a strategic focus on sustainability, Swiss Life Asset Managers continues to solidify its position as a key player in Germany’s evolving industrial real estate market.