Coffee with Craig Show – daily CRE news covering the CEE region, with Publisher Craig Smith and Winston Norman, Editor and Chief of EuropaProperty.com.
Panattoni debuts on the Belgian market
Panattoni is expanding its operations in Europe by entering the Belgian market. The launch in Belgium is a strategic step for Panattoni. Owing to its favourable location, the country is an attractive destination for establishing multi-functional logistics facilities for occupiers. There is a growing demand in Belgium for high-quality and sustainable logistics facilities, which aligns with Panattoni’s commitment to be net zero carbon in all of its new developments by 2025.
Robert Dobrzycki, CEO & co-owner of Panattoni Europe, UK, and India, said: “By developing sustainable real estate solutions that meet the specific needs of the Belgian market, we aim to contribute to the further development and sustainability of Belgian infrastructure and provide our clients with the opportunity to establish themselves in this logistics hotspot”.
Focus Estate Fund enters UK market with retail park acquisition
Focus Estate Fund, a fund specializing in non-prime retail properties in Central Europe, announced the acquisition of Island Green Retail Park in Wrexham, United Kingdom.
The tenant mix of Green Retail Park comprises well-known brands and chains such as Next, Smyths Toys, Poundland, Iceland Food and others.
“This is a significant moment for us as a fund, as we venture into the UK market. We look forward to continuing to expand our portfolio not only in the UK but also in other key markets such as Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, and beyond”, said Maxim Shkolnick, General Partner at Focus Estate Fund.
”Focus Estate Fund is looking to make further investments into UK retail property, with one asset under offer and others under consideration”, said Marcus Wood, Head of Retail & Leisure Investment at Cushman & Wakefield.
NEPI Rockcastle delivers record financial results for 2023
NEPI Rockcastle generated the highest distributable earnings per share in its history in 2023, exceeding the previous record set in 2019. This marks not only a complete recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic but also a sustainable step-up in performance determined by continuing investments in its portfolio.
“NEPI Rockcastle has delivered remarkable results in 2023. The markets that we operate in are forecast to have some of the strongest GDP growth in Europe in 2024, which bodes well not only for consumer confidence and the performance of our tenants but also for NEPI Rockcastle’s continued growth,” says Rüdiger Dany, CEO, NEPI Rockcastle.
First 7R Green Saver Warehouse obtains financing
7R Park Wrocław West II has secured a total of PLN 87 million in financing from Bank Pekao. Construction is now underway for 7R’s inaugural Green Saver product aimed at reducing both CO2 emissions and operating costs.
In the future, 7R Park Wroclaw West II will need significantly less electricity during operation. According to 7R’s calculations, the reduction in primary energy demand per square meter per year will drop by almost 70 percent compared to current regulations.
“Many tenants are increasingly taking action in the spirit of sustainable development. The new green parks will be built under the 7R Green Saver brand, following the idea of Saving the costs, saving the planet,” commented Michal Bialas, CBDO and board member to 7R.
“Bank Pekao S.A. finances clients’ green projects, supporting them on the road to decarbonization. We believe in sustainable buildings aimed at reducing CO2 emissions,” said Łukasz Białecki, Head of Real Estate Financing at Bank Pekao.