The VGP Rodgau Industrial Park – A recipe for success

Large roller shutters open and close, trucks roll along the supply routes, the production halls and offices are busy: VGP Park Rodgau has been an integral part of the industrial stronghold in the Rhine-Main region since its opening in 2016. However, it is often a long way from the initial consideration of the concept to the completion of an industrial park. A look behind the scenes of the development of the VGP Park Rodgau shows which stations are decisive.

What is important in the run-up to such a project development?

The foundation stone for the successful development of a project is already laid when choosing a partner. In a so-called “pitch”, the leading European developer of high-quality logistics and commercial real estate, VGP, prevailed over its competitors and won the city over. “The decisive factor was certainly our holistic and sustainable concept,” says Darius Scheible, Managing Director of VGP Germany, looking back today on this first project implemented by VGP in Germany. “There was a great openness and willingness to cooperate on the part of the municipality and Mayor Jürgen Hoffman”. This created the conditions for effective planning, transparency and trusting cooperation. Now 24 months remained, in order to tie the development plan firmly.

What was the planning process like?

In order to be able to plan as quickly and flexibly as possible, VGP brought in external planning expertise. The concretisation of the planning went far beyond the design of production halls, supporting structures and storage areas: a complete transport infrastructure, from the connection to the country road via traffic lights to the bus stop, had to be designed and built and numerous expert reports prepared. In addition to the municipality, business promoters, public authorities and experts, the animal kingdom even had a place at the negotiating table: 5,000 square metres of land south of the park were purchased for the relocation of the sand lizard. Careful planning resulted in a conclusive and holistic overall concept that is intended for the long term. Construction of the first building began in 2014.

What were the ingredients for the recipe for success “Rodgau Industrial Park”, which are still effective today?

Thorough planning, cooperation in a spirit of partnership and a constant exchange between all those involved are crucial to making such a project a success. Especially building a stable relationship between a reliable developer and a proactive community pays off. Today, the VGP Park offers 100,000 square metres of rentable space, providing space for large logistics companies as well as medium-sized companies from various sectors, thus creating space for around 800 jobs. It is optimally accessible thanks to a direct connection to main traffic routes. And in its role as a long-term partner of the region and its tenants, VGP continues to pay great attention and care to the administration of the location, even after the keys have been handed over.