MLP Group develops Thyssen site in Gelsenkirchen-Schalke

The city of Gelsenkirchen has signed a letter of intent with the MLP Group as part of its Integrated Development Concept Schalke-Nord (IEK) for the revitalization of the area on Kurt-Schumacher-Straße. Around 50,000 square meters of sustainable, flexibly usable spaces for a wide range of tenants are to be created on the industrial wasteland of the former Thyssen wire factory in Gelsenkirchen-Schalke.

(Pruszków/Gelsenkirchen) The MLP Group, a leading developer and owner of high-quality logistics, industrial, and commercial parks, will build a modern, sustainable business park on the approximately 110,000 square meter site, tailored to the needs of a diverse user mix.

“By acquiring the site and the planned project of the MLP Group, the city of Gelsenkirchen not only gains a significant economic player but can also look forward to a good and sustainable development of a long underutilized area. This is very good news for Gelsenkirchen, especially for the district of Schalke-Nord,” said Gelsenkirchen’s Mayor Karin Welge during the project presentation on Monday, November 15, at the Gelsenkirchen Science Park.

A total of around eight buildings with areas between 1,000 and 10,000 square meters are planned. In the eastern part of the site, three flexibly usable halls will be built, particularly tailored to the needs of local service and craft businesses. The larger units can also be divided according to user requirements.

Developed concept is viable

Patrick Schumacher-Kurowski, Country Manager Germany & Austria at MLP Group, emphasized during the project presentation: “The MLP Group has extensive experience in revitalizing former industrial areas. The concept developed together with the city of Gelsenkirchen and the authorities is absolutely viable and goal-oriented. On the one hand, it seamlessly integrates into the requirement spectrum defined under ‘Schalke-Nord’, and on the other hand, it meets the wishes of local, regional, and national users from various sectors.”

Due to its excellent location and transport connections via the A42 and A44, situated in one of the largest economic and consumer areas in Europe, the “MLP Business Park” is attractive for users from many different industries and aims to revitalize and enhance the vacant area. This includes manufacturing and processing companies, e-commerce trade, logistics, as well as local craft and service businesses. The city of Gelsenkirchen places particular emphasis on this.

Close coordination with the city and authorities

The further detailing of the concept in close coordination with the city and authorities is now the next step, according to Schumacher-Kurowski. MLP Group, which will invest over 40 million euros in the project, expects that by mid-2023 the development plan will be available, allowing construction to begin in the second half of 2023. Demolition work on the existing buildings is expected to start by the end of 2021. By mid-2024, operations in the new MLP Business Park Schalke are to commence.

The project is also intended to contribute to the success of the IEK Schalke-Nord. To open up new perspectives for the district, it is oriented towards the needs of the citizens and the economy. This commitment is reflected in several points of MLP’s concept. For example, there are considerations to hold an artist competition for the western building facade, which borders the listed buildings on Kurt-Schumacher-Straße.

MLP’s concept also includes attractively designed offices and green outdoor areas as open meeting zones with seating for employees. A green strip connecting Kurt-Schumacher-Straße and the eastern part of the property is one of many ideas for the design and enhancement of the area.

Certification according to DGNB Gold aimed for

The buildings of the business park will be developed by MLP according to its own green sustainability strategy. Certification according to DGNB Gold (German Sustainable Building Council) is being sought for the facilities. The sustainability concept also includes the use of roof areas for photovoltaic systems. The green electricity will be optimally used for heat generation via heat pumps. MLP primarily relies on recyclable materials and regional companies and building materials during construction, which will lead to a low carbon dioxide balance.

Photo: © MLP Group