Key handover for Thalia’s new omni-channel hub in Marl
After the successful and on-schedule completion of Thalia’s new omni-channel hub in the gate.ruhr industrial park in Marl, the official handover of keys from the responsible project developer ECE Work & Live and the executing construction and service company Goldbeck to Thalia took place on January 7. Thanks to the rapid progress of construction, Thalia was already able to begin the interior fit-out of the hall areas and the installation of intralogistics in recent weeks. The first office spaces will be occupied later in January. With this project, all partners involved are setting new standards in modern and sustainable construction and making an important contribution to structural change in the region as well as to the future of the book trade.
After around one year of construction and with an investment of €100 million, a 56,000 m² commercial and production property has been created in the gate.ruhr industrial park in Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia. It consists of several high-quality hall areas, a multi-story office building, a parking garage with around 500 spaces, and 200 covered bicycle parking spaces. The site includes modern workspaces for up to 1,000 employees, its own cafeteria, and extensive, generously designed social areas.
Serkan Aydemir, Director Industrial ECE Work & Live: “The on-time completion of the project, taking into account demanding tenant requirements and adhering to extensive ESG criteria, is the result of a collaborative partnership at all levels and our many years of expertise in developing sustainable and customized commercial properties. We are proud to have created a location together with Thalia and Goldbeck that combines innovation and sustainability.”
Hans Walter Klein, Managing Director Goldbeck West GmbH: “The project combines a wide variety of building types and uses, each with its own functional and technical requirements. The fact that we were able to successfully realize this diversity as a team within a tightly scheduled timeframe demonstrates the strength of our systemized construction method and the close cooperation of all project participants. My sincere thanks go to everyone who contributed to the success of this project.”
Marco Rebohm, Managing Director Logistics & Supply Chain Thalia Bücher GmbH: “With the new omni-channel hub in Marl, we are sending a clear signal for the future of the book trade. The location enables us to further expand our performance while at the same time creating attractive and qualified jobs for up to 1,000 people in the region. My thanks go to all partners for the excellent cooperation and completion within the planned timeframe.”
At its new location in Marl, Thalia will implement a wide range of different uses and processes in several development stages, thus setting a clear course for the future of omni-channel business in the book trade.
The new omni-channel hub also sets standards in terms of sustainability. Both during construction and operation, resource conservation is the top priority. The building was constructed according to the Energy Efficiency House 40 standard and features numerous e-charging points for cars and bicycles, a PV system, and a green roof over the office and bicycle parking areas. Heating is provided by an efficient heat pump without the use of fossil fuels. In addition, a comprehensive biodiversity concept has been implemented, including nesting aids and the creation of wildflower meadows. A Gold certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) is being pursued.
