From May 2024, the XL Business Park in Almelo will welcome a new distribution center: Panattoni Park Twente (55,000 m2). With excellent connections by road, rail, and water, it is the ideal location for logistics companies. But it's also a fantastic place for future employees to work. The new building will be situated adjacent to a stunning, newly developed natural area.
In realizing the XL Business Park, collaboration was sought with Landschap Overrijsel to designate 12 hectares as natural space. Where there was once agricultural land, a diverse area has now emerged. This serves as a beautiful green buffer between the industrial park and the residential area to the south."To make it as enjoyable as possible, four walking routes have been established, ranging from twenty to forty minutes, in collaboration with residents of Bornerbroek and established businesses," says Jan Geerdink, director of the XL Business Park. This allows everyone to take a breath of fresh air and stroll through the beautiful surroundings. Through the green landscape, along the flowing stream.
Employees feel happier and perform better in a pleasant work environment. They not only need to work well but also relax: enjoying nature and getting the necessary exercise. This was taken into account during the development of the XL Business Park in Almelo; the industrial park has good bike paths, sidewalks, and beautiful nature trails for walks during lunch breaks. All of this is set in the newly landscaped Twente nature.
"Quality of life is important for the employees," says Jan Geerdink.
The "Doorbraak" winds thirteen kilometers through the Twente landscape. This new stream was created to reduce water overflow, especially in the Twente cities. On both sides of the stream, you'll find beautiful nature where plants and animals can move between Twente and Salland. Following this stream, you'll enjoy a lush, flower-rich area: a natural buffer between the industrial park and Bornerbroek, and the water storage between Almelo and Bornerbroek. Continuing the route eventually leads you to the XL Business Park. Surrounded by twelve hectares of Green Delta, companies like Timberland, VDL, and VTech are located here.
"I am convinced that the greenery appeals to the employees of the companies at the XL Business Park." Jan Geerdink, Director of XL Business Park Almelo
So, the XL Business Park is adjacent to this beautiful, new natural area. It's a unique location, which is enjoyable for the employees of the companies located there. "To make it as pleasant as possible for them, four walking routes have been established, ranging from twenty to forty minutes," says Jan Geerdink. This way, everyone can get some fresh air and walk through the beautiful surroundings. Through the green landscape, along the flowing stream. If you pay close attention, you might also spot Brandrode cattle, storks, herons, partridges, and the bat bunker.
According to Jan, it doesn't stop with just the Doorbraak nature reserve. He's bursting with ideas to make it an even more enjoyable place for businesses, employees, flora, and fauna. "In the future, we want to provide more facilities at the XL Business Park. For example, insect hotels and petanque courts. That way, we're thinking about both people and nature."
The bike paths and walking routes are, of course, not only intended for the employees of the companies at the XL Business Park. Local residents also frequently use them, for example, by jogging on the well-maintained sidewalks or cycling on the wide bike paths. Jan finds this development very valuable. "We engage in dialogue with the residents and consider their input, so that it's also a pleasant environment for them."
This dialogue continues. Jan gives an example. "Everyone is welcome to visit us. We are very accessible; the residents from the nearby area know that. For instance, there is a lady who frequently walks around the industrial park with a camera. She noticed that sand martins were nesting in a large pile of sand. She came to us and showed us the footage. We took action: we installed a fence to prevent the bird nests from being disturbed."
Unique Collaboration
Not every industrial park pays as much attention to greenery and the well-being of employees as the XL Business Park does. It's unique in this aspect. "This also has to do with the corporate park management, of which all companies are mandatory members." Thanks to this collaboration, it's possible to align everyone's interests and create a green environment.
Jan concludes: "We continue to work on creating a pleasant working environment. We listen to everyone's wishes and take all input seriously." Panattoni Park Twente, located at the XL Business Park, will be available from May 2024.
If you want to know more about this warehouse, visit here: https://panattonieurope.com/en-nl/vind-panden/panattoni-park-twente
