Globalworth, a leading office investor in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the leader of the Romanian office market, announced the signing of a lease contract for Globalworth Square. Wipro, a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, will become the main tenant of the most technologically advanced office building in the Globalworth portfolio. The leasing transaction will amount to a total area of 11,000 sqm and it was brokered by Griffes.
With this project, located in the middle of the Globalworth District, the largest business community in Bucharest, the landlord is creating a new standard when it comes to responsiveness, well-being, sustainability, and reduced costs of occupancy. Since technology will play a central role in the office of the future, a trend accelerated by the pandemic, Globalworth is bringing the future closer with a series of unique innovations. An important part of the energy consumption will be provided by the photovoltaic roof and to increase safety, direct contact with the surfaces will be limited by implementing touchless solutions with IR-sensors in all the sanity facilities, while the access to the building and office spaces will be available through Bluetooth and NFC technologies. All these features convinced Wipro to expand its existing partnership with Globalworth. Thus, due to their growing business needs, the Wipro teams that already operate in Globalworth Tower will be joined by the teams from Globalworth Square.
“The most frequently asked question in 2020 was about how we see the office of the future in the post-COVID-19 era. We are answering this question now by introducing Globalworth Square, an ambitious project of ours, based on smart efficiency technology. The trust that Wipro has given us by expanding our collaboration confirms that we bet correctly when we decided to build the office of the future. We put technology first and we use it to streamline the experience for the community. The fact that our main tenant in the first energy-producing building in our portfolio is a leader in technology motivates us to continue to build intelligent assets and to offer real solutions to current situations. The leasing process is in full swing and we have a series of discussions for the 17,000 sqm still available”, said Ema Iftimie, Head of Leasing at Globalworth Romania.
“As our CEO has mentioned, Wipro has a longstanding commitment to social and environmental responsibility, leading a wide range of successful sustainability efforts, including a net-zero target. We are also a founding member of the Transform to Net Zero coalition which aims to accelerate the transition to a Net Zero emissions global economy. The design and technology used in Globalworth Square are in line with our initiatives in environmental sustainability. Also, I believe this new home & HQ for our Romanian teams will be the ideal platform to help us grow even further and strengthen our position in the market”, explained Vivek Bakshi, Country Manager for Wipro Romania.
“The challenges in the business world in 2020 have brought not only constraints but also Ingenuity amongst the tenants with vision and solid plans for the future. Wipro is a forerunner and this move – the largest leasing transaction during the pandemic period – demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding office building and will help them navigate the waters of the new working models”, added Andreea Paun, Managing Partner of Griffes.
The building has an innovative health and safety feature, increasing the air filtration and UVC light disinfection for a hygienic office environment: a system that disinfects the air introduced in the office area as well as in the common spaces with the help of UV-C lamps installed on the inlet connections of the air-treatment stations. This system ensures efficient and effective reduction of microorganisms by up to 99 percent, even in very confined spaces, and it works against viruses such as Covid-19 and other pathogens.
Another innovation is the building’s cooling system, consisting of a heat pump, R1234ze ecological freon chillers and boot storage, designed to generate low energy consumption. The implementation of the ice storage system is unique for a class A office building in Romania.
Located in the Barbu Văcărescu area, between Globalworth Plaza and Green Court, both owned by Globalworth, the building has a total rental area of 28,000 sqm and includes 14 floors of office space, 3 levels for underground parking, and the ground floor will be designed for facilities such as a restaurant and various retail options.
Although it will be a hub based on smart efficiency technology, Globalworth Square will come with a contrasting and yet architecturally complementary look, and its façade will be pencilled with vintage accents. At present, the structural frame and the façade are done. The building will be fully completed in the second half of 2021 and it is in the BREEAM pre-assessment phase for obtaining BREEAM Outstanding green accreditation.
