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Business Garden Poznan welcomes new tenant

22 | 12 | 2021

Vastint Poland has signed an agreement with Enea S.A. for the lease of office space at Business Garden Poznan. The space is located on two floors in the building on ul. Pastel in the part of the complex managed by Vastint.

We are glad that another company has placed its trust in us and decided to sign a long-term lease agreement. At Business Garden, we not only offer high standard office space but also provide a healthy work environment, which in the current epidemiological situation is of critical importance. We hope that Enea’s employees also appreciate the many features of the complex that make it tenant-friendly. There is a kindergarten, a medical facility and a canteen in the Business Garden, as well as parking spaces and changing rooms for cyclists, and charging stations for electric cars, says Magdalena Makuch, Leasing Manager Vastint Poland.

Business Garden Poznan is located in the city’s Grunwald district just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre and Poznan-Ławica airport. The complex combines modern office functions with access to a variety of amenities for tenants. The office complex comprises nine buildings with a total leasable area of 88,000 m2. Like all Vastint Business Gardens, the one in Poznan also offers its tenants a spacious garden with recreation and outdoor areas.

The complex was designed in the spirit of sustainable development. Proper land development, the use of environmentally friendly construction materials and locally produced raw materials and products, the implementation of solutions reducing energy and water consumption, as well as effective planning of functions in the property to optimize the space and ensure a high level of satisfaction with the use of office space are just some of the project’s features. All buildings have been awarded the LEED Platinum certificate confirming the pro-ecological nature of the investment.

The first stage of the property — comprising four buildings on ul. Kolorowa — was divested to an investment fund. Vastint is the owner and manager of the other five buildings completed in the second stage of the investment.

Business Garden Wroclaw welcomes Selena Group as new tenant

15 | 12 | 2021



Vastint Poland has signed a long-term lease agreement with the Wroclaw-based Selena Group, a global leader and distributor of construction chemicals. The new headquarters of the company will occupy an area of approximately 4,300 m2 and will be located on three floors of the tallest building of Business Garden Wroclaw.

We welcome the Selena Group among the tenants of Business Garden and thank them for the trust that has been placed in us, which resulted in signing a long-term lease agreement. I am convinced that employees will quickly settle into their new workplace, and the amenities offered in the complex will support the further development of this thriving holding company, said Marek Ulanecki, Senior Leasing Manager, Vastint Poland.

One of the main priorities of the Selena Group is employee development. The company is entering the next stage, our scale of operation is increasing, and we are marking our presence in new markets. We are building a competitive advantage based on the team, providing employees with opportunities for education and development. The new functional office complements our HR activities; we believe that the numerous amenities provided by the Business Garden complex will meet all the needs of our employees. Furthermore, we are close to the ideas of sustainable construction; the Selena Group is a member of PLGBC (the Polish Ecological Building Association) and we are actively involved in the activities of this organization. Therefore, the LEED Platinum certification held by Business Garden was of great importance to us when choosing the new headquarters, comments Andrzej Zygadło, a member of the management board for human resources at the Selena Group.

Business Garden Wroclaw is a modern LEED Platinum certified complex of nine office and service buildings with a total leasable area of 117,000 m2. The space between the office buildings is occupied by a carefully maintained garden with relaxation zones where tenants can rest and practice outdoor sport activities. The complex offers extensive infrastructure for cyclists, as well as a number of amenities for employees. In addition to the restaurant pavilion located in the central part of the green courtyard, there are also additional facilities, including a café and a kindergarten.

The investor and developer of the property is Vastint Poland. In 2019, Vastint Poland divested three buildings, with the remaining six buildings in the complex still held in the  portfolio.

Vastint Poland’s exhibition reveals unknown pearls of Poznan’s industrial architecture

07 | 12 | 2021



Vastint Poland organized the exhibition STARA RZEZNIA YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW. The antique postcards and photographs displayed in the courtyard of the City Hall (Wolny Dziedziniec Urzędu Miasta) show the wonderfully designed industrial architecture and interiors of the former factories, which were hidden behind walls from the beginning of their existence and, therefore only available and known to a few city residents.

The exhibition that opened today documents the Municipal Slaughterhouse’s history in Grabary from 1900 to the present day, through the prism of human experience. From beautiful architecture and Prussian order, through the prosperous pre-war years as the plant continually expanded, followed by Soviet soldiers appearing among the war ruins, up to more recent times when the closed factories were annexed by artists staging off-theatre plays there, collectors offering their rare books, and antique dealers.

“The old panoramic photos showing the symmetrical urban layout of the plants and photographs showing the representative building of the Resursa — which once housed the stock exchange, an elegant restaurant, and hotel — make the greatest impression,” says Ewa Łydkowska, Marketing Manager of Vastint Poland. “Equipped with a Tuscan tower, the Resursa building perfectly fits into the eclectic nature of the neo-Gothic complex of the Municipal Slaughterhouse. Since the battles for Poznan at the end of World War II, when the building was largely destroyed, it has never regained its glory. Today it is difficult to even say that its remains attract attention. We plan to carry out a faithful reconstruction of the building as part of the investment, for which we are carefully preparing,” adds Ewa Łydkowska.

In the courtyard of the City Hall, there are also photos showing the lives of Poznan residents related to the meat processing plants. Some of the presented works are very personal, even touching photos from family archives submitted to the competition organized by CYRYL – the Digital Local Repository in Poznan. The exhibition ends with a display of how this place will look in the future.

According to the concept, the approximately 5.5-hectare site of Stara Rzeznia will be transformed into a coherent, urban, and architecturally interesting part of the city centre. Vastint plans to renovate the buildings of the former meat factories under conservation protection and to adapt the spaces mainly for service and catering functions, including theatre, restaurants, and a market hall, as well as the construction of new residential, office, and service facilities. The spacious squares around the historic buildings of Stara Rzeznia will become a meeting place for Poznan residents and a backdrop for artistic and cultural events. The estimated usable area of the complex is approximately 70,000 m2.

“Stara Rzeznia and the plans related to its reconstruction arouse the interest of the inhabitants of Poznan. For many months, under the supervision of the Municipal Conservator of Monuments, we have been working on the development project and we hope that we will soon be able to present the complex in a new version. The design is constantly evolving, but from the very beginning our overriding goal has been to integrate the complex into the existing city development and integrate it with the existing infrastructure. Together with the city authorities, we are focused on making the final result interesting not only in terms of architecture but also functionality. We want to create an interesting place to live, work, and relax for the inhabitants of Poznan, in which the history and modernity of the city will be combined,” comments Rafał Przybył, Regional Manager of Vastint Poland.

The photos presented at the exhibition come from the collections of the University Library in Poznan, the Municipal Conservator of Monuments in Poznan, CYRYL, as well as private individuals. With free admission, the exhibition will run until the beginning of January 2022.

Courtyard Glasgow SEC opened its doors

06 | 12 | 2021



Vastint Hospitality’s Courtyard Glasgow SEC in the UK has opened its doors. The opening was celebrated together with the operator Hotel Co 51.

Guests can relax in 216 thoughtfully designed bedrooms, some with great views across to Finnieston, including 16 family rooms and 44 superior rooms.

The hotel sits on the banks of the River Clyde and is located right next to the Scottish Exhibition Centree. It connects into the multi-storey car park at Finnieston Street in Glasgow. The Scottish Exhibition Centre includes the SSE Hydro (concert venue), SEC Armadillo (auditorium) and SEC Centre (exhibition and event halls).

The hotel brings its timeless classic style whilst meeting the needs of experienced travellers looking for space, great amenities and the latest technology. It also has five full meeting, conference and event spaces, holding up to 100 delegates on the first floor as well as a 24-hour fitness centre.

General Manager, Ross Saunders, who is originally from Glasgow, has moved from the Moxy at Merchant City to open the Courtyard. Delighted that the four-star hotel is open for business, he said;  “It’s just over 36 years ago to the day that the first Courtyard Marriott opened for business travellers. I’m proud to be launching this stunning new hotel at the SEC but also within striking distance of the thriving bars and restaurants in Finnieston.”

With on-site parking and a covered walkway to the SEC, the hotel is perfectly placed for guests who will be attending events within the campus. The hotel was opened ready to welcome guests from over 200 countries that attended the United Nations 2021 Climate Change Summit and has its own commitment to climate change. It’s built using a sustainable and energy efficient construction method, has mobile room keys and a no plastic policy in place for their bar committing to glass and 100% compostable paper cups.

Donovan Sumner, Regional Director of Operations UK for Hotel Co 51, the operating company for Glasgow Courtyard SEC added; “This is our 14th hotel opening in the UK and first Courtyard Marriott. We’re excited to be working with the team at the SEC as events and conferences get back on track. Thanks to the location of the hotel, we were full for the Climate Change Summit and will continue to build on that as one of the key hotels in the city for travellers and delegates attending events in the area.”

Aileen Crawford, Head of Tourism and Conventions at Glasgow Convention Bureau said: “As the city prepares to celebrate the re-start of in-person conferences to support the social and economic renewal of Glasgow, the Convention Bureau is delighted to welcome the Courtyard by Marriott SEC hotel to Team Glasgow. Ideally located on the SEC Campus, this well-established international hotel brand is a great addition to the already varied accommodation offering for delegates.”

The hotel has also opened an 80-cover restaurant called Hopscotch featuring Scottish flavours and local ingredients. Mixologist Frazer Graham completes the offering with an exciting and eclectic bar menu providing showgoers with seasonal cocktails and unexpected combinations to enjoy before (and after) gigs at the OVO Hydro.

Moxy Glasgow SEC opened its doors

22 | 11 | 2021

Vastint Hospitality’s Moxy Glasgow SEC in the UK has opened its doors. The opening was celebrated together with the operator Hotel Co 51.

Just a stone’s throw from the Hydro SSE, the new Moxy hotel offers 243 bedrooms and has embraced its location in its interior design as a nod to the many events that will happen on its doorstep.

Guests staying at the hotel will enjoy a plethora of quirky musical paraphernalia including a drum kit, light rig frame, drumsticks hanging from the ceiling, microphone lighting and old-style amplifiers. The fun vibe and energy of the hotel is showcased in the graffiti art gracing the walls whilst the spirited crew behind the bar will look after every whim from check in to fixing that all important first complimentary cocktail on arrival.

The opening marks the second Moxy hotel to open in Scotland’s largest city, following the opening of Moxy Glasgow Merchant City. As with all Moxy Hotels, Moxy Glasgow SEC will feature the brand’s signature smart design and efficient use of space. Each bedroom will showcase mood lighting under the beds and cabin designed hanging space whilst the 13 suites will have a lounge area with sofa bed, perfect for larger groups.

Furiously fast WIFI will be available throughout and the lobby will have fun games and activities for guests and locals to enjoy as well Moxy’s ‘Now’ hang out communal space ideal for remote working or meeting up with friends. Two small meeting rooms are available close to reception and for those who love to work out a 24-hour gymnasium has all the latest gizmos.

The Moxy magic continues, enhancing the guest journey with personalised in-room ‘hook-ups’, letting the hotel’s personality shine.  Guests can enjoy thoughtful touches and themed experiences to celebrate milestones, birthdays or just a gathering of friends.

The hotel opened just in time for the COP26 conference and the hotel has embraced its sustainability and environmental policies. The construction method, the use of mobile keys, recycling bins in each bedroom and bulk toiletries to minimise plastic use.

“COP26 was our first piece of business and the hotel was full for the duration,” said David Steele, the Captain, which is the brand’s take on a General Manager. He continued by saying “It’s been a challenging year for the hospitality industry but to open and have every bedroom full for the conference was a great way to kick off this fabulous new hotel.”

Donovan Sumner, Regional Director of Operations UK for Hotel Co 51, the operating company for Moxy Glasgow SEC added; “Glasgow is a great city and we’re proud to make this our 13th UK opening. We continue to embrace the cheeky and free spirited atmosphere that Moxy has become famous for. We’re delighted to have David at the helm and we look forward to welcoming guests looking for something different in the hotel arena where the Moxy personality gets to shine through.”

Dogs are welcome to stay with owners at Moxy Glasgow SEC and parking for guests is available at the nearby Hydro multi-story. An opening rate of £69 room only is available.

Vastint Netherlands leases 1,000 m2 of extra office space at Atlas ArenA Amsterdam to Decathlon

08 | 11 | 2021



Atlas ArenA Amsterdam CV recently concluded a new long-term lease with Decathlon Netherlands BV. For over 2 years Decathlon has had offices on the Atlas ArenA campus to its full satisfaction. It has now decided to lease an extra 1,000 m2 to add to the 1,000 m2 it already occupies. From May 2022 Decathlon will expand its leased space on the ground floor of the Amerika building at Hoogoorddreef 15 in Amsterdam Zuidoost.

 

Decathlon

With more than 1,700 branches worldwide, of which 22 shops are in the Netherlands, Decathlon is the largest sports retailer in the country. Decathlon makes sports more accessible to all by offering a wide range of sports clothing, shoes and other sports articles. The company opens branches at locations where there is a need for sports. Decathlon’s motto is ‘All sports under one roof’, making it unique in its concept.

 

Atlas ArenA Amsterdam

Atlas ArenA Amsterdam, a multifunctional office complex with a total of 76.500 m2 of office space, has been given an exciting new lease of life thanks to a thorough redevelopment and a major upgrade in sustainability. The architecture of the five original buildings, named after the five continents, the Courtyard by Marriott hotel, the wide range of functionalities and services and the park-like surroundings give the 4,500 employees coming to Atlas ArenA Amsterdam every day the feeling they are working on a campus of international standing.

The Atlas ArenA Amsterdam campus is an attractive home base for a mix of notable national and international tenants. All conceivable functions are brought together on site thanks to the many amenities, such as the trendy Absolute Taste catering pavilion, Absolute Workout crossfit sports centre, Absolute Break company restaurant, Absolute Kids by CompaNanny childcare centre and the availability of all kinds of personal convenience services.

High-quality office space, easy accessibility by car and public transport, the excellent parking ratio and a high score in terms of sustainability also make Atlas ArenA Amsterdam a highly sought-after business location. Atlas ArenA has grown to become one of the most valued locations in Amsterdam and the thriving central district of Amsterdam Zuidoost.

Vastint Poland implements Ready Flex — a flexible option for renting individual office modules

04 | 11 | 2021



Vastint Poland has expanded its offer with a new business solution — the rental of autonomous, fully furnished office space for small and large companies or their teams in a flexible option of short-term contracts.

Roger Andersson, Managing Director of Vastint Poland says: “By adapting our services to the changing needs of customers, we have introduced the possibility of flexible rental of independent, fully furnished and small offices that will complement or replace the headquarters and support the needs of employees. The offer is a perfect solution for dynamically growing companies, as well as for those who need additional space for a certain period of time or need to hire project workers for whom there is no place to work in the current office. The feedback from tenants, and especially the pace of commercialization of Ready Flex office modules, confirms the validity of the implemented solution.”

Ready Flex is not the same as the concept of a co-working space. Vastint offers ready-made offices that provide tenants with the independence of doing business without having to share the rented space with other people or companies. Modules with an area of 300 to 400 m2 have a reception area, offices, open areas, conference rooms, social facilities, and toilets. The flexible option of a short-term lease from 6 to 24 months allows you to enjoy your own, fully equipped office with access to numerous amenities offered by Vastint’s properties, previously available only to large tenants.

The first project to offer Ready Flex offices is Business Garden Wroclaw and Business Garden Warsaw. Soon, a similar offer will be launched at Business Garden Poznan and K2 in Gdynia, and eventually at other Vastint projects.

Marek Ulanecki, Senior Leasing Manager Vastint Poland comments: “In the Business Garden office complex in Wroclaw, we have prepared 1,400 m2 of space in the Ready Flex offer. 100% of the space was leased prior to its delivery to the market. The companies that decided to cooperate with us emphasize that the key element, from their point of view, was the combination of the advantages of immediately available and furnished space with the privacy provided by an independent unit. Currently, we are preparing further modules with the Ready Flex formula in the complex, which should be available by mid-2022.”

Business Garden Vilnius opens its doors to tenants

12 | 10 | 2021



Vastint Lithuania, the developer of the business park Business Garden Vilnius, has completed the first stage of the project. First tenants are starting to move into the first two office buildings of the complex built on Laisves Avenue. As of today, more than one third of 42,000 m2 of office and retail space of the business park has been leased.

Business Garden Vilnius is located on a site of 6,2 ha near the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO and the Lazdynai forest. Kęstutis Vedeckis, Managing Director of Vastint Lithuania, says that both office buildings of the first project stage are fully finished and fitted.

“The biggest tenant – Ignitis Grupė, which has leased over 10,000 m2 in the business park, is moving in. They soon will be joined by Amber Grid with about 1,100 m2. And just recently the US IT company Rocket Software has opened their new office of 900 m2 at the business park,” says K. Vedeckis.

“The range of tenants is expanding. Tenants‘ businesses, their employee job profiles and age are more diverse. The important thing is that they may enjoy those features of Business Garden Vilnius that are most appealing to each of them: aesthetic surroundings, various activities, office efficiency or comfort for employees,” says the Managing Director of Vastint Lithuania.

According to him, as more lease agreements are still being finalised, it is expected that at least half of the premises of the first stage of the business park will be leased by the end of the year.

Offices are being actively leased in spite of the pandemic

Indrė Narauskaitė, Head of Office Solutions of the international real estate advisory company Newsec, says that currently the Vilnius office market is especially active – new premises are required by companies starting their operations and opening new offices in Lithuania, companies which are expanding, seeking higher class or better located premises or companies which need to optimize or consolidate their offices.

According to her, when choosing a new office, green spaces are becoming of an increasing importance. They help to motivate employees to return to business centres and provide conditions for productive and dynamic work.

“High quality business centres with a strong concept are being actively leased even during the pandemic. Though this business centre is at some distance from the city centre, the entire ecosystem has been created for employees here – sports facilities, cafes, well arranged surrounding territory close to nature. The success of Business Garden Vilnius demonstrates that trends of business parks are changing – the priorities have shifted towards sustainability, friendliness to the landscape, importance of the community and convenient public transport,” says I. Narauskaitė.

Impressive green areas

According to the head of Vastint Lithuania, the entire concept of Business Garden Vilnius is focused on the strengthening of the community and wellbeing.

“Basketball, football, volleyball and beach tennis courts, sports and fitness centre, pedestrian and cycling paths have been erected at the business park. A bit later, mountaineering centre and tennis courts will be built,” says K. Vedeckis.

Business Garden Vilnius will stand out with its exceptional green areas – they will be the largest among all the business centres in Lithuania.

“We have brought and planted an entire garden from the Netherlands: more than 35,000 plants. The green areas will cover almost 4,000 m2 at the business park,” says K. Vedeckis.

Additionally, recreational areas, benches, amphitheatres, special area with grilling facilities have been set up. Moreover, not only the tenants but also the city community will be able to enjoy the recreational facilities and green areas of the business park.

“It is also important that we are situated next to the forest of more than 10 ha and pedestrian and cycling paths are completely integrated into the Business Garden Vilnius concept,” says K. Vedeckis.

Further expansion of the business park is planned

On the same site of 6,2 ha Vastint Lithuania will soon start the second stage of the construction works of the business park Business Garden Vilnius.

„We plan to start the construction as soon as we finish the correction of the detailed plan and obtain the construction permit,“ says K. Vedeckis.

According to him, after obtaining necessary documentation, Vastint Lithuania plans to build a large parking lot complex and two more office buildings of 10,000 and 15,000 m2 in 12-16 months.

„In order to rival the trend of working from home, offices will have to adapt to the changed needs. When analysing the preconditions for the return to offices, we see the increased significance of bigger and more diverse areas, better conditions for mobility and especially – for health and wellbeing. Business Garden Vilnius will meet all of these expectations,“ assures K. Vedeckis.

Moxy York achieves LEED Platinum

06 | 10 | 2021



Vastint Hospitality’s Moxy York has been awarded the highest possible LEED certificate – LEED Platinum – by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Moxy York is located within York’s historical city centre and offers 118 rooms, a vibrant lounge, a gym and parking in the back of the hotel.

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification provides independent verification of a building’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings. LEED is the triple bottom line in action, benefiting people, planet and profit.

A standard of LEED Gold, or higher, is being sought for all further Moxy hotel projects.

New primary school opens at Vastint UK’s Sugar House Island in London

21 | 09 | 2021



Vastint UK celebrates a major milestone, with the completion of Sugar House Island’s innovative new primary school, School 360. Operated by the Big Education Trust, the school will join sister school, the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ School 21, in Stratford. The school opens its doors to 26 reception children, aged four and five from the surrounding area.

Vastint UK has worked closely with architects Penoyre & Prasad and contractor Mid Group to deliver a building that supports the school’s unique curriculum which is based on three pillars: developing the head to provide rich knowledge and deep understanding; the heart to focus on well-being and relationships as well as the hands to encourage every child to learn about creativity, problem-solving and the arts.

Facilities

Pupils will benefit from a green outdoor classroom, for reading and group activities, as well as a Forest School, Musical Walk and a Bike Parking Zone, containing a covered space for 58 bicycles and additional scooter spaces.

The roof top playground and multi-use games area (MUGA) offer a range of play and learning experiences with an outdoor classroom and theatre, open play space and Growing Gardens and Green Teaching Space.

Inside, the school offers students a variety of learning experiences and spaces with a ‘makerspace’ dedicated to arts and crafts, ‘Oracy stairs’ which offer informal seating and opportunities for students to share their voice and a flexible studio space designed for drama and oracy sessions.

The school also boasts a SEN-enhanced space to cater to students with specialist educational needs.

The school will be led by co-headteachers Andrea Silvain, who joins from School 21, and Sarah Seleznyov, formerly Director of London South Teaching School.

Sarah Seleznyov, said: “We are delighted to launch School 360 this September. We look forward to welcoming children on their education journey – Reception children in 2020-21, and opening to younger children in subsequent years”.

Andrea Silvain, said. “Our new primary school is led by our values of courage, curiosity, kindness, responsibility, and joy, and will draw on the strength and expertise of the amazing creative community within Sugar House Island. By working together collaboratively we can think differently and learn together.”

School 360 is the first school ever constructed by Vastint. Andrew Cobden, Managing Director for Vastint UK, said: “We are delighted that School 360 has opened at Sugar House Island and are thrilled to welcome the first generation of students and staff. The new school is an asset to local families and an integral part of the Sugar House Island community. As a people-centred neighbourhood, School 360’s values align with our mission to creative a thriving and sustainable community with creativity and well-being at its heart.”

Moxy Stuttgart Feuerbach opened its doors

14 | 09 | 2021

Recently Vastint Hospitality has opened its 238-room Moxy hotel at Wiener Platz in Stuttgart-Feuerbach. The opening was celebrated together with its operator Hotel Co 51.

The hotel is located opposite to the Feuerbach railway and S-Bahn station, offering direct and fast connections to Stuttgart main station, city centre, airport and Messe, as well as to the districts of Zuffenhausen and Bad Cannstatt.

Moxy Edinburgh Airport achieves LEED Gold

18 | 08 | 2021



Vastint Hospitality’s Moxy Edinburgh Airport has been awarded LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Moxy Edinburgh Airport offers 230 comfortable rooms and is located at the Royal Highland Showground at the corner west of Eastfield Road and south of Fairview Road, the hotel is in walking distance of Edinburgh Airport but is also connected very well to the city of Edinburgh.

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED certification provides independent verification of a building’s green features, allowing for the design, construction, operations and maintenance of resource-efficient, high-performing, healthy, cost-effective buildings. LEED is the triple bottom line in action, benefiting people, planet and profit.

A standard of LEED Gold, or higher, is being sought for all further Moxy hotel projects.