Campbell taps developer for Camden’s Gateway District expansion project
Campbell Soup Company has designated Brandywine Realty Trust as the developer of the mixed use development for Camden’s Gateway District. Campbell, the State of New Jersey, the County and City of Camden announced plans to develop the area adjacent to the company’s world headquarters in February 2007 with Campbell designated as the master redeveloper of the project.
The 13 acres earmarked for development are located off Newton Ave., between Admiral Wilson Blvd. and 11th Street.
Since 2007, Campbell has invested more than $132 million in expanding its headquarters, including the 2010 opening of an 80,000-sq.-ft. employee center and renovations to existing buildings on its campus. As part of that effort, Campbell has acquired several properties and prepared them for redevelopment. Under the terms of the agreement, Brandywine will acquire the properties from Campbell as they develop the office park for prospective users.
“Brandywine is a perfect fit for this project. Brandywine has consistently demonstrated a clear focus on high-quality, well-designed urban development and their experience will be an important catalyst to establishing the Gateway District as a sought after business center,” said Richard Landers, Campbell’s VP of tax and real estate. “Today marks an important step in the revitalization of Camden’s Gateway District that will help create jobs and spur economic growth.”
Companies that relocate to Camden will be able to take advantage of the Grow New Jersey program and the Garden States Growth Zones (GSGZ) program, both part of the New Jersey Economic Opportunity Act of 2013. Grow NJ is the state’s main job incentive program and GSGZ offers developers and tenants in the State’s lowest income cities, including Camden, tax incentive. The programs are intended to encourage job creation and economic growth by establishing tax credits to encourage businesses to stay in New Jersey. Once a company is approved, the incentives can help fund the purchase and building of new facilities.
“We are delighted and fully support Campbell’s selection of Brandywine Realty Trust as the developer for Camden’s Gateway District,” said Mayor Dana L. Redd. “Brandywine’s portfolio speaks for itself. The synergy thus far between Campbell Soup Company, Brandywine and the City of Camden has been promising. I expect a developer of Brandywine’s caliber to deliver a top notch project. With the incentives offered as a part of the Economic Opportunity Act, Camden has been able to attract high quality companies while creating jobs for our residents. We feel Camden is once again poised to become the economic engine of the region.”