OVG to develop ASICS Europe's new HQ

Rotterdam-based real estate developer OVG projectontwikkeling has signed an agreement with ASICS Europe to develop the sportswear group's new European headquarters. The 5,000-m² property will be developed in Beukenhorst-Zuid in the Dutch business district Hoofddorp near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

Architecture firm CEPEZED is responsible for the design of the property which will feature a central atrium to provide plenty of natural ight and 'pleasant work surroundings', OVG said. The location also overlooks the Genie dijk, which is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

OVG said the property will feature in the list of the top sustainable buildings in the Netherlands, underlying OVG's marker leadership in the development of green office complexes. The energy required to heat and cool the building will be provided locally with the help of a combination of bio warmth and solar panels. A central cascade staircase linking all floors is intended to stimulate the use of stairs rather than lifts.

The property is due for delivery in the third quarter of 2011. Property broker DTZ Zadelhoff is advising ASICS Europe on the entire relocation process. ASICS Europe chose OVG to develop its headquarters following presentations by several market players. Jones Lang LaSalle advised OVG.

This is the second custom-made office property being built as part of OVG's green building initiative in the Hoofddorp area. The headquarters of global express mail company TNT is due to become operational in 2010. OVG said it also expected to sign contracts shortly for the third and fourth projects under its sustainability programme.