CL Property, a Polish development company specializing in modern and multi-functional industrial and logistics space, has laid the cornerstone for the construction of the Build-To-Suit (BTS) facility Citylink Wroclaw. The bank financing for this new investment, amounting to €13.5 million, was provided by mBank. The company will deliver a state-of-the-art technological research and development centre of more than 13,300 sqm for the international ICT giant. Pekabex is the general contractor for the facility, and the completion of the investment is expected in the second half of 2024.
The Polish economy is set to receive a new boost with the Citylink investment, undertaken for an international giant in the information technology industry. The building will serve as a key research and development centre within the tenant’s global structure, focusing on the development and testing of telecommunications technologies (ICT). The investment will strengthen the existing technological hub of the tenant. The facility, spanning over 13,300 sqm, will be dedicated exclusively to one tenant, housing a laboratory and research area, as well as offices and technological spaces.
“Our company’s strategy is based on engaging in Build-To-Suit investments that allow us to grow by seeking innovative and optimal solutions. This nationally unique project is an exceptional opportunity that we proudly embrace. It is not just the construction of another building it is an investment in the future, innovation and development of Poland and Wroclaw as a place that attracts cutting-edge technologies and the best minds in the IT industry. We are pleased that mBank, known for its innovation, is our financial partner in this investment,” commented Michał Gonicki, Leasing and Asset Manager at CL Property.
The research and development activities of the tenant will include optimizing products for reduced network resource consumption, allowing mobile operators to lower network maintenance costs while simultaneously reducing energy consumption by user devices (mobile phones, smartphones, etc.).
“Banks appreciate the potential of the industrial space market, especially facilities centred around the technology industry. Our project in Wrocław garnered significant interest from financial institutions, which highly valued the tenant’s quality, long-term lease agreement, and other transaction elements contributing to the great comfort of the project. We are pleased that it is with mBank that we can cooperate on a project strategic for the development of modern technologies in Europe,” said Daniel Pałasz, Chief Financing Officer at CL Property, adding, “An important aspect for both us and the financing bank is the wide range of sustainable and ecological solutions envisaged in our investment.”
The building will undergo BREEAM environmental certification at the Excellent level. The developer will prepare the building’s roof for the installation of photovoltaic panels, and the facility will be equipped with a modern heat pump powered by waste heat from the servers, eliminating the need for fossil fuels (gas) and reducing the building’s carbon footprint. Energy-saving solutions, such as LED lighting controlled by presence sensors and faucets with aerators to reduce water consumption, will also be implemented. A rainwater recovery system is also planned. Additionally, facility employees will have access to electric vehicle charging points and infrastructure for cyclists.
“We appreciate the experience and high professionalism of the Citylink team, and we are pleased that by financing this investment we can support their growth in the industrial and logistics space market. The investment in Wrocław combines an excellent urban location with the highest ESG standards, which will be confirmed by the BREEAM certificate, aligning with our strategy of financing environmentally friendly projects,” said Michał Konkol, Project Manager in the Structural Financing and Mezzanine Department at mBank S.A.
Wrocław is a city driven by innovation, with the second-largest number of research and development centres and IT hubs among regional cities in Poland. The building will be constructed in a prime location near the Wrocław Municipal Stadium, with direct access to the A8 highway and the Wrocław ring road. Wrocław Airport is 7 km away, and the A4 motorway is only 10 km away. The facility’s location also provides direct access to public transportation (buses, trams, and trains).
“Over the past year, we have been working intensively on a complete change to the previously planned model to adapt the facility to the tenant’s specialized requirements. Therefore, we are excited about the construction work being carried out as part of the Citylink Wrocław investment. We are creating a unique project that will strengthen Wrocław’s position as a city attracting high technologies,” said Michał Starybrat, Development Director at CL Property.
Pekabex will be the general contractor, and the planned completion of the investment is expected in the second half of 2024.
