HGK: Production and Logistics merged

The Häfen und Güterverkehr Köln AG (HGK) has presented a development concept for a modern combined industrial and logistics area in the north of Cologne. On November 23, the company unveiled a detailed overall concept for the planning area of up to 550,000 square meters, located near the Rheinharbors Niehl 1 and 2, as stated in a press release. This concept aims to connect different industries and value-added stages at one location to enable cooperation and generate new innovative strength. A goal that is also reflected in the name of the new district: "FUSION COLOGNE."

A central approach of the concept is the integration of production and logistics, aiming to minimize transport routes and handling processes. The flexibly subdividable parcels are designated for buildings for manufacturing companies, storage and logistics, office use, research and development, as well as social amenities. Building heights of up to 22 meters are intended to enable high land utilization and urban vertical production concepts over multiple floors. According to HGK, up to 2,000 jobs could be created there.

The implementation of the presented development concept for FUSION COLOGNE will begin after preparatory work on the southern, partially already developed area from the third quarter of 2023. The development of the northern area is planned to start at the end of 2025.

FUSION COLOGNE will be connected bimodally

“The planning convinces not only with its sustainable, cooperative overall concept but also with an excellent infrastructure,” said Peter Trapp, Managing Director of Fusion Cologne GmbH. “The direct, bimodal connection as well as short distances to the Cologne ports and the highway altogether form an almost unique platform to meet the demands of the transport and energy transition.”

A powerful bimodal transshipment terminal for combined transport (CT) with six tracks for block trains is intended to enable a sensible and as environmentally friendly as possible steering of goods flows. Up to four plots in the southern part of the planning area can be directly connected to the CT terminal.