XXL warehouses: (un)rational construction?
XXL logistics platforms of more than 40,000 m² were still rare real estate objects only a decade ago. They are now an integral part of the logistics real estate market and a particularly dynamic segment. In 2022, in an economically turbulent logistics real estate market that is down on 2021, this segment alone will account for 35% of the space placed. This means almost 2019 XXL transactions in the country.There are many reasons to build large and they deserve to be recalled.
A search for logistical optimisation
The first reason is related to the number of references handled, particularly for the e-commerce sector. This is the case for Zalando, which has committed to a 141,000 m² platform in Montereau-sur-le-Jard. This site will be particularly optimised, with part of the building being 18 m high and 5 interior mezzanines. The size of the building is also a guarantee of long-term presence. This project makes even more sense as it is located near a Colissimo platform. This proximity naturally allows the cutoff to be delayed[1] This proximity naturally delays the cut-off [1] of orders, reduces costs and the environmental impact generated by the supply vehicles in the transport chain. This reason is found in other major projects such as that of La Redoute, which has committed to a 110,000 m² building in Cambrai, on the e-Valley site.
Another explanation for the growing size of logistics sites is linked to the rationalisation of organisations. This is particularly the case in the retail sector. A large site makes it possible to rationalise transport and reduce stocks overall. Distributors such as Carrefour, E.Leclerc and Intermarché have all implemented a plan to reorganise the logistics network throughout the country. In 2022, Intermarché, for example, has committed to a 63,000 m² site as part of a 100,000 m² platform in Ablaincourt-Pressoir, in the Somme. Carrefour is building a 76,000 sqm site to the east of Caen to replace the old Carpiquet site, with work due to start in 2023.
Finally, size allows for economies of scale. This is often the argument that drives logistics service providers to commit to large sites. In 2022, ID Logistics is building a 48,000 m² platform in Loudéac (Côtes d'Armor). Jung Logistique, Heineken's service provider, has committed to leasing part of a 60,000 m² warehouse in Illies-Salomé, in Hauts-de-France. This region is becoming a preferred territory for XXL platforms. The local leader Log's has expanded with a new 100,000 m² site in Denain.
Towards XXL property standardisation?
Although logistics is sometimes criticized for its impact on territories and, to a lesser extent, for the artificialisation of agricultural land, it is interesting to note that XXL sites show a certain resilience. Indeed, the rational construction of a very large site, sometimes divided into several tenants, makes it possible to reduce the overall consumption of land. Access roads, service roads and outdoor spaces require proportionally less land consumption than for small buildings spread over an area.
Furthermore, the size of the site allows for the optimisation of the construction cost, but also for the design of common facilities and spaces. The specific treatment of green spaces and environmental efforts on the site are often a particularity of these very large buildings. Developers compete with each other to make these large sites more acceptable to local residents.
For example, the new 100,000 m² SEB platform in Bully-les-Mines (62) emphasises biodiversity by reintroducing local species. The Moissy 2 DC1 building of Prologis, operated by Monoprix, has an impressive list of environmental labels and certifications, including Breeam "outstanding" and BiodiverCity. These efforts relate to the construction of the building, the energy produced, the interior equipment and the green spaces.
Although XXL buildings mark their territory and are often criticised, they are also among the best examples of environmental integration in logistics.
[1] Deadline