AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION: FOUR PARX RECEIVES BROWNFIELD 24 SPECIAL PRIZE 2020

29/10/20
  • Two-story logistics property “Mach2” in Hamburg receives the B24 Brownfield Award Special Prize for innovative concepts
  • Uniqueness of the project impressed with its innovative approach to an effective use of space in urban areas
  • The forward-looking property is expected to be completed by the end of 2021

Four Parx, an innovative project developer specializing in creating commercial premises, received the B24 Brownfield Award Special Prize 2020 for innovative concepts. The company was awarded for its two-story logistics property “Mach2” in Hamburg Wilhelmsburg. The forward-looking property is being built on the former site of beverage manufacturer Refresco and provides users with a total area of 123,000 sqm in a central location at the Port of Hamburg.

Four Parx entered uncharted territory in many respects with this project, as no similar projects of this kind existed up until now. Various challenges emerged during the course of the complex building permit procedure and planning process. For example, the statics and foundations of the two-story building required a special concept. In addition, the extensive earthworks on the site, which covers a total area of 100,000 sqm, were more complicated than expected as a result of finding several bombs that had to be removed before work could continue.

The uniqueness of the architecture of “Mach2” is also impressive, as despite its location in an industrial area, high importance was placed on the property’s façade design, among other things. Four Parx sought to achieve an optimal concept within the framework of a specially announced architectural competition.

“We are rather pleased to have received the special award for innovative concepts,” says Francisco J Bähr, Managing Partner at Four Parx. “Innovation is an integral part of the Four Parx DNA and is also especially evident in our lighthouse project Mach2. We are demonstrating a new way to create urgently needed logistics space in an urban location in Hamburg. Mach2’s award-worthiness is confirmation of our plan and our direction. We would like to express our sincere thanks to our project partners AEW and GSE Deutschland for their fruitful cooperation and support.”

“The special award is a great recognition of the work of the entire Four Parx team,” confirms Oliver Schmitt, Managing Partner at Four Parx. “In developing Mach2, we have once again demonstrated our pioneering spirit and boldly continued our commitment to innovative solutions and concepts.”

With the realization of the two-story logistics property, Four Parx is seamlessly carrying on from its other pioneering concepts and solutions. In 2019, for example, the project developer commissioned Smart City Loop GmbH to conduct a feasibility study on underground supply and distribution in downtown Hamburg. The results showed that this underground system is technically feasible as well as economically viable and can also make a considerable contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions and traffic congestion in the city.

The concept envisages connecting a warehouse with a distribution center around five kilometers away using a system of pipes. In a recent letter of intent, the Hamburg Ministry of Economics and Innovation pledged its support in the search for suitable land for the project.

Considerable progress has also been made on the winning “Mach2” property. In September 2020, construction began on the heated truck ramps which will ensure easy access to the upper level even in colder seasons. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Four Parx Managing Partners Francisco J. Bähr and Oliver Schmitt with their award