7R has divested the first phase of 7R Park Lodz West II, one of its prime urban logistics projects. The property has been acquired by Macquarie Asset Management on behalf of one of its managed accounts. It is the investor's sixth transaction involving the 7R City Flex Last Mile Logistics portfolio, following acquisitions near other key industrial and urban centres including Wrocław and Gdansk, which have been concluded in the 14 months.
The 7R facility acquired by Macquarie Asset Management on behalf of one of its institutional clients was commissioned for use in July 2021. It is 100% leased to tenants from the health and sanitary sectors who run light production, storage, and logistics operations on the property. The development’s location, in the western part of Lodz, is well-served by road and public transport, including the newly built S14 ring road. Its proximity to the A1 and A2 freeways is another positive aspect of the location. The building is BREEAM-certified thanks to applied pro-ecological solutions which improve energy efficiency.
"The pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vital role the logistics real estate sector plays in underpinning efficient global supply chains. As the demand for strategically located facilities with strong sustainability credentials continues to grow, we are delighted to continue our partnership with 7R in Poland and to secure this high-quality portfolio," said Dana Gibson, Co-Head of Macquarie Asset Management’s Real Estate team in Europe.
"Since 2018, we have observed a growing demand for small business unit facilities, from both investors and tenants. The development of 7R City Flex Last Mile Logistics network is a response to this demand and one of the ways that we diversify our portfolio. Due to the demand and size of the markets, City Flex projects were initially built in larger cities. However, medium-sized cities are now ready for this type of investment as well. This part of the market is growing and unlike standard 'big box' warehouses, last-mile facilities can consist of warehouse and office space, showrooms, retail, and e-commerce premises. City Flex projects certainly expand the range of prospective tenants. SBU’s share in the warehouses market in Poland now stands at 8%. We will continue to invest in the 7R City Flex business line and look for opportunities in other sectors," commented Bartłomiej Krawiecki, Vice-Chairman of the Board and COO at 7R.
"Building the first last-mile logistics network in Poland that covers all key city locations with 7R’s urban warehouses, as well as partnering with Macquarie, is an excellent example of cooperation between capital and development. The alignment of interest between the parties to provide high-quality products in key micro-locations, ensuring they are in line with high ESG standards and meet the expectations of tenants, is always a great strategy to implement. We look forward to providing more high-end products together with our partner in the near future," said Lukasz Jachna, Chief Capital Markets Officer, Member of the Board at 7R.
"We are very happy to be able to once again contribute to the expansion of Macquarie’s logistics portfolio with another project. We have found Macquarie to be a great partner, who closely monitors every stage of the transaction process and is committed to cooperating with us in the creation of a strong, long-term business partnership. The sale of the 7R City Flex building, part of the 7R Łódź West II complex, is another example of our seamless cooperation," added Tomasz Kostrzewa, Investment Director at 7R.
