In practice, if an investor knows too little about a site, and furthermore knows that it would take months to gather the necessary data, their attention turns to other plots of land which are already developed and have full technical and legal documentation. Unfortunately, these locations are often situated outside of Poland. Verifying a plot’s feasibility in terms of providing an electrical supply (100MW +) or the water needed on an industrial scale, may take more than a year. This process may also involve many other institutions and companies at a high level, which can further delay the ‘green light’ for a project. However, the growing number of inquiries regarding large-scale industrial sites has influenced local authorities and landowners to start thinking ahead and conducting land development activities. An illustration of this proactiveness is the creation of Konin East Industrial Park. The project involved collaboration between the Stare Miasto commune, the city of Konin, as well as the Łódź Special Economic Zone and Hillwood company, a leading industrial developer. This cooperation led to the preparation of an investment area, fully prepared for infrastructurally demanding investors, of just under 150 ha. Furthermore, a photovoltaic farm with a capacity of 180 MW is being constructed in the area,
comments Marta Staśkowska, Land Development Manager at JLL.
New things are coming to Konin
Our region is undoubtedly distinguished by the competitiveness of its investment land. These areas offer excellent transport infrastructure. We have also created a business-friendly climate. We have set up a working group consisting of representatives of public institutions and private companies, the aim of which is to prepare plots for large investments in such a way as to be able to respond effectively to the needs and requirements of potential investors, both domestic and foreign. The Industrial Park ensures the possibility of constructing objects up to 40 meters high and offers access to 175 MW of electricity and 275 m3/h of water. Other advantages are the proximity of modernized road infrastructure in the park’s vicinity as well as the settlement of formal and legal issues, resulting in obtained permits, which clears the way for the launch of construction works this spring,
comments Dariusz Puchała, head of Stare Miasto commune near Konin.
Cooperation as the key to success
Another important aspect is the support from the local authorities as well as tax exemptions and government grants which future investors may count on. The involvement of many parties has allowed Stare Miasto to be one of the few communes in Poland, to offer fully developed land that is intended for strategic industrial activities,
adds Dariusz Puchała, head of Stare Miasto commune near Konin.
Reskilling workers in the region
Environmental factors being considered in the decisions of tenants and property owners is no longer the exception but is most definitely the rule. In the vicinity of the land prepared for warehouse and production development in Stare Miasto, there will be a photovoltaic farm that will generate 180 MW acquired from renewable energy sources providing resources for the industrial park’s users. It is also worth noting that Konin is successfully implementing an energy neutrality strategy that will allow Konin to become the first energy-neutral city in Poland. One of the important elements in the city’s strategy is zero-emission public transport. The launch of a municipal hydrogen filling station is planned for later this year. Furthermore, a plant producing green hydrogen on an industrial scale will be launched in the next few years. This allows for the development of a transport fleet powered by alternative fuel. These are important factors for international brands looking for new environmentally sustainable locations, which are tailor-made and built in the BTS/BTO formula. To meet investors’ expectations, we are able to deliver dedicated facilities that are designed and constructed exclusively for their business needs and powered by renewable energy,
explains Piotr Łada, Hillwood Polska.
