Brown Brothers Harriman has selected the WITA destination project in Kraków as the new location for its Polish headquarters. With the signing of this lease, the project has achieved full commercialisation. This marks an important milestone in Echo Investment’s development and confirms WITA’s potential as a multifunctional destination that combines modern office space, services, and a thoughtfully designed urban environment.
“Brown Brothers Harriman (Poland) in Krakow is centrally important to our global operations and has been for many years. That is why selecting a new home for our business and for our team was a decision of great significance. In Wita, we have a unique opportunity to shape a workspace designed from the ground up for how we work today, with sustainability and technology as key considerations, that facilitates multiple modes of working and work practices. The project combines high-quality, flexible office space with enhanced technology, more areas for collaboration, access to services, greenery, and amenities that support our employees’ daily needs. Just as importantly, our new home reinforces our presence in Kraków and creates a distinctive and welcoming focal point for our staff, clients and visitors. We believe that when we are together, in person, collaborating in a well-designed workplace, that it drives better outcomes for our clients and stronger career development for our people,” says Seán Páircéir, Partner, Global Head of Investor Services, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
“WITA is another example of a successful destination project that has transformed this part of Kraków. We create places that combine multiple functions and respond to the real rhythm of the city, work, and everyday life. Brown Brothers Harriman’s lease of the entire Building C confirms that, in today’s environment, companies are looking for locations where employees can work, connect, and enjoy their daily lives. For large organisations, it is increasingly important not only what the office itself looks like, but also the environment in which their teams operate. WITA offers access to modern office space, services, green areas, and shared amenities, while fitting seamlessly into the history and scale of this part of Kraków. The project has created a vibrant, multifunctional urban quarter that remains active throughout the day. This is how we see the future of urban development: creating places that respond to the needs of the people who use them every day,” says Rafał Mazurczak, COO of Echo Investment.
Cushman & Wakefield advised BBH on the commercial and technical negotiations, as well as on workplace optimisation.
“Brown Brothers Harriman’s decision shows that ambitious developments meet the expectations of ambitious and reputable occupiers. WITA is an example of a non-standard, mixed-use scheme bringing together residential apartments, office space, student housing and food & beverage functions in one place. It is also distinguished by its prime location, quality and placemaking, while the lease of an entire building by a financial institution further reinforces the business rationale for this type of investment. At the same time, the transaction demonstrates Brown Brothers Harriman’s long-term commitment to Kraków and confirms the city’s position as one of the key hubs for financial, technology and operational services globally. From the occupier’s perspective, a transaction of this scale provides greater control over infrastructure, security and processes. For investors, in turn, it sends a clear message that Kraków’s office market remains active, and that high-quality assets continue to attract stable, large-scale occupiers,” comments Krzysztof Misiak, Head of Poland, Cushman & Wakefield.
