Octane Capital Partners and Peakside Capital acquire two urban logistics parks near Warsaw

Octane Capital Partners, in collaboration with Peakside Capital Advisors, has completed the acquisition of two urban logistics properties developed by Panattoni. The parks, located within the Warsaw metropolitan area, offer a combined total of approximately 24,000 square metres of warehouse and office space.

Both assets are operational and hold BREEAM certifications at ‘Excellent’ and ‘Very Good’ levels. The facilities are designed to accommodate the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises with flexible unit configurations.

The acquisition marks the first investment under a new joint venture between Octane and Peakside, which will focus on real estate, debt, and secured non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Polish market. For Peakside, the deal supports its ongoing strategy to expand its logistics portfolio with modern, urban warehouse assets.

The acquired properties include Panattoni Park Warsaw Janki IV, which comprises around 13,000 sqm of space. Located roughly 15 minutes from central Warsaw, it offers access to key transport routes, including the S8 expressway and the A2/S2 motorway junctions.

The second asset, Panattoni Park Warsaw City V, is located in Warsaw’s Targówek district on Chełmżyńska Street. It provides approximately 11,000 sqm of warehouse and office space with good transport accessibility and features designed for SME tenants.

Advisory support for the buyers was provided by DL Partners (legal), Arcadis (technical), CRIDO (tax and financial), and CBRE (commercial). Panattoni was advised by SKJB (legal) and Thedy & Partners (tax and financial).

Tourism in Slovakia sees continued growth in April 2025

In April 2025, tourism in Slovakia’s accommodation sector recorded notable growth, with nearly 419,000 guests staying in hotels and guesthouses. This represents a 9% increase compared to the same period last year and marks the strongest April performance since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, overall visitor numbers remained 5% below the levels seen in April 2019, which was among the most successful months for Slovak tourism prior to the pandemic.

The number of nights spent in tourist accommodations rose by 13% year-on-year, exceeding one million. The average length of stay was 2.4 nights. Domestic visitors made up nearly two-thirds of all guests, increasing by almost 7% to 261,000. While this growth was significant, domestic tourism still fell short of its 2019 peak by around 4%.

Foreign visitors accounted for 158,000 guests, a year-on-year increase of over 13%. Despite this rebound, foreign tourism remained 7% below its record levels from April 2019. The return of international travelers signals a gradual recovery, though not yet a full return to pre-pandemic figures.

All eight regions of Slovakia recorded year-on-year increases in guest numbers, ranging from a modest 1.1% in Košický kraj to 13.7% in Žilinský kraj. Bratislavský kraj remained the top destination, hosting 119,000 guests, followed by Žilinský kraj with 81,000 and Prešovský kraj with 62,000. These three regions together accounted for more than 60% of all tourism-related stays in Slovakia.

Domestic visitors were most concentrated in Žilinský and Prešovský kraj, which together attracted 40% of Slovak guests. Foreign tourists were notably more prominent in Žilinský kraj, where their numbers rose by nearly 25% year-on-year. Bratislavský kraj hosted nearly half of all foreign guests in the country, underlining its continued importance as an international tourism hub.

Among all regions, only Žilinský kraj surpassed its record for April tourism, slightly exceeding guest numbers from 2019. This was largely due to the increased presence of foreign visitors, whose numbers in the region were 7% higher than six years ago. Other regions continued to lag behind their pre-pandemic peaks, with shortfalls ranging from 1% in Trnavský kraj to nearly 17% in Trenčiansky kraj.

The figures are based on data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic, covering all registered accommodation establishments providing temporary lodging services.

CarbonTool expands into Ukraine, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Middle East, launches version 2.0

CarbonTool has announced its expansion into Ukraine, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Middle East, extending its reach in supporting decarbonization efforts in the real estate sector. The platform, which provides emissions tracking and sustainability reporting tools, will now serve projects across these new markets, with a continued focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

According to CEO Răzvan Nica, the expansion builds on the collaboration between CarbonTool and BuildGreen and is aimed at strengthening the company’s presence in the EMEA region. He noted that CarbonTool has already been used in numerous certification projects and reflects over three decades of combined experience in sustainability consulting.

CarbonTool is designed for application across real estate asset types, including office, retail, industrial, and logistics, using automation and science-based methods to measure and reduce emissions. The expansion comes amid growing international pressure to align with evolving ESG standards, such as the revised LEED v5 framework, which places greater emphasis on carbon reduction.

In parallel with its geographic growth, CarbonTool is launching Version 2.0 of its platform. The update introduces several new features to enhance usability and reporting capabilities. These include an integrated ESG module for tracking progress across frameworks such as GRI and CSRD, enhanced data visualization with dual-format metrics, and tools for grouping emission sources by class. Additional updates support automatic data uploads, customized KPIs, regional indicators, and document traceability.

The platform’s redesign includes a new user interface, improved dashboards, regional language options, and streamlined reporting tools to support diverse user needs across its expanded footprint.

CarbonTool currently monitors more than 6.2 million tons of CO₂e and has contributed to the reduction of 1.2 million tons across over 900 projects in 27 countries. Its emissions database includes data from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, providing location-specific accuracy for developers and ESG professionals.

Nrep expands co-living portfolio in Gdańsk with third acquisition

Scandinavian real estate investor Nrep has expanded its presence in Poland with the acquisition of a third co-living property in Gdańsk. The newly added facility, Noli Gdańsk Old Town, is located in the historic Red Barracks on Łąkowa Street, near the city’s Old Town. Developed by Moderna Holding, the project was completed under a forward purchase agreement signed in 2023 through Nrep’s NSF V fund.

The building includes nearly 400 fully furnished studio apartments, as well as shared amenities such as coworking spaces, a gym, sauna, communal kitchen, and laundry facilities. The concept combines private accommodation with services typically found in hotels, catering to both short- and long-term residents.

According to Nrep Poland Head Maciej Piotrowicz, the acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to grow its Noli Studios co-living platform in high-demand urban locations. He noted that Gdańsk offers a mix of economic growth, rising housing demand, and tourism appeal, making it an attractive investment destination.

Nrep emphasized that sustainability is a central component of the project. The building features a high-efficiency heat recovery ventilation system, geothermal wells over 13 kilometers deep, photovoltaic panels, and a building management system to optimize energy use. It is also the first historic property in Poland to be redeveloped in line with sustainable principles and certified with BREEAM standards.

Magdalena Terefenko, Vice President of Nrep Poland, highlighted that the integration of environmental considerations from design to operations reflects the company’s long-term investment vision. The redevelopment sought to balance heritage preservation with modern efficiency and low environmental impact.

Moderna Holding’s CEO, Adam Małaczek, described the project as a significant restoration effort, noting the complexity of adapting the century-old structure while exceeding current sustainability standards.

This is Nrep’s fourth Noli Studios location in Poland, following facilities in Gdańsk Wrzeszcz, Gdańsk Riverside, and Warsaw Mokotów. The platform now includes over 1,100 units, with additional developments underway. Nrep also operates the Lett rental housing platform in Warsaw, offering apartments in Praga Północ, Mokotów, and Bemowo.

Nrep was supported in the transaction by CMS (legal advisor), Avison Young (technical advisor), and Koda (tax advisor).

BLD Poland acquires land in Warsaw’s Białołęka for residential development

Walter Herz has announced the sale of an investment plot in Warsaw’s Białołęka district to BLD Poland. The Bulgarian developer plans to build a residential project comprising approximately 90 housing units on the site.

This marks BLD Poland’s second acquisition in Warsaw, following its January 2025 purchase of a plot in the Saska Kępa district for a 30-apartment residential development. Construction of that project, Ivory, began in March 2025.

According to BLD Poland’s Aleksandra Kerner-Kruk, the company continues to expand in Poland after establishing a residential portfolio in Bulgaria. The decision to invest in Warsaw aligns with the company’s strategy to target stable markets with long-term growth potential. BLD Poland is also considering additional residential investments in the country.

Damian Karkosiński of Walter Herz noted that this deal reflects the continued interest of foreign investors in Warsaw’s residential land market. He also highlighted that while international demand remains strong, the availability of suitable plots for multifamily development in the city is limited due to competitive conditions. Białołęka, however, continues to attract developers as one of the capital’s most active districts for new housing construction.

Construction of the Białołęka project is expected to start later in 2025, with completion planned for the first half of 2027. The development will offer nearly 90 apartments designed to maximise functionality and natural light. The site is located near Głębocka Street, within proximity to public amenities including retail, parks, schools, and childcare facilities.

Founded in 2006, BLD has delivered over 2,000 housing units across 11 projects and is currently developing six more in Bulgaria. The company focuses on modern residential construction and is a member of the Polish Association of Developers.

Accidents at work decline in Poland in Q1 2025, but industry-specific risks remain high

In the first quarter of 2025, Poland recorded 14,323 accidents at work, marking a 7.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, according to preliminary data released by Statistics Poland. The incidence rate, measuring injuries per 1,000 employed persons, dropped from 1.12 to 1.04, reflecting a broader improvement in workplace safety.

Despite the overall decline, 54 serious injuries and 31 fatalities were reported, while 46 accidents occurred during remote or telework. The highest rates of workplace accidents were registered in the Śląskie (1.42), Opolskie (1.36), and Warmińsko-Mazurskie (1.34) voivodships, whereas the lowest were in Małopolskie (0.74), Mazowieckie (0.75), and Pomorskie (0.93).

Industry-specific risks remain a concern. The mining and quarrying sector recorded the highest incidence rate at 4.08, followed by water supply, sewerage, and waste management (2.65), and healthcare and social work activities (1.65). By contrast, the information and communication sector reported a significantly lower rate of just 0.14.

The most common causes of accidents were incorrect actions by employees (41.9%) and physical impacts with stationary objects (30.4%). Nearly 40% of accidents occurred during movement-related activities, and extremity injuries accounted for 78.6% of all reported cases.

On private farms in agriculture, falls were the most frequent cause of injuries, representing half of all reported incidents. These cases are reported separately, based on compensations awarded through the Agricultural Social Insurance Fund.

The report highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures in high-risk sectors. Final data for the full year 2025 is expected to be published in November 2026.

Source: GUS

Construction of Ostrava’s new Žofinka district set to begin in September 2026

Construction of the new Žofinka district in Ostrava is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with the first residents expected to move in within two and a half years. Located between Nová Karolina and Lower Vítkovice, the district will be developed on a former slag heap previously part of the Žofinská Steelworks. The site spans approximately 20 hectares, with plans to build around 412,000 square meters of mixed-use space over a 20-year period. The project is being led by Pod Žofinkou Holding.

In the initial phase, around 300 apartments will be developed across three sub-phases, covering 20,000 to 30,000 square meters. Of these, 60 percent are intended for sale and 40 percent for rent. This first stage, valued at approximately CZK 1 billion, will also include retail and service units. A school is planned for a later phase once enough housing is completed—around 700 apartments will be needed before the school opens.

The design of the new district was selected through an international urban and architectural competition focused on identifying the most effective layout for a predominantly residential neighborhood. The jury awarded first place jointly to two architectural teams. One winning group consists of the Danish studio ADEPT, working in collaboration with Czech practices atelier.tečka, VEN.KU architekti, Ohboi Creative Company, and VECTURA Pardubice. The second winner is the Prague-based firm Pavel Hnilička Architects + Planners.

Currently, Pod Žofinkou Holding is in negotiations with both teams, evaluating their proposals from both technical and financial perspectives. A final decision on which studio will lead the first phase is expected by the end of July. However, the project structure allows for both teams to be involved in future stages, as the competition helped establish a shared urban vision and framework for development.

The Žofinka neighborhood will integrate housing, administration, and services to bridge central Ostrava with the industrial Lower Vítkovice area. It is bounded by two railway corridors and the Ostravice River. The plan aims to create a modern, accessible urban district with a mix of residential and public functions.

Tomáš Laštovka, a board member of Pod Žofinkou Holding, emphasized that the goal is to create a functional and vibrant neighborhood where people can live, work, and spend their free time without long commutes. The project is seen as an important step in Ostrava’s urban transformation, turning a long-abandoned industrial site into a new central district.

Photos: City of Ostrava

Empik opens new store at RONDO Shopping Centre in Bydgoszcz

Empik opened a new store at the RONDO Shopping Centre in Bydgoszcz, expanding its physical retail network in Poland. The 230 m² unit offers products across the culture, entertainment, and lifestyle categories.

Empik continues to develop its omnichannel approach, integrating its network of over 370 physical stores with the online platform Empik.com and a dedicated mobile app. The retailer provides a broad assortment that includes books, music, games, toys, and press, alongside a growing range of lifestyle products such as stationery, electronics, home décor, and health and beauty items. Digital content, including audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts (via the Empik Go app), and tickets to cultural events (via Going. and Empik Bilety), is also part of the offer.

The new store is located on level 1 of the shopping centre, between Gudi Home and Martes Sport. Empik’s arrival is part of the centre’s ongoing strategy to update its tenant mix and respond to evolving consumer preferences.

Ilona Missori, Asset Manager at SCF Property Services, stated that the addition of Empik reflects demand for cultural and lifestyle offerings and supports the shopping centre’s objective to provide a comprehensive range of retail and leisure options for Bydgoszcz residents.

TRIBE opens second hotel in Hungary at Budapest Airport

TRIBE officially opened its second hotel in Hungary at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. Developed by WING, the TRIBE Budapest Airport Hotel is directly connected to the existing ibis Styles Budapest Airport and further expands the brand’s presence in Eastern Europe.

The newly opened hotel features 167 rooms designed for business travellers, digital nomads, and short-stay guests. Its interiors reflect TRIBE’s contemporary style, combining modern urban aesthetics with practical comfort. Facilities include a 140-seat restaurant and lounge with an outdoor terrace, a rooftop skybar offering panoramic views, a fitness centre on the seventh floor, a 150-seat conference room, and two additional meeting spaces.

Located within walking distance of Terminal 2, the hotel has been designed with sustainability in mind and is expected to be one of Hungary’s first hotels to achieve BREEAM certification. The project was developed in partnership with Aspectus Architect and other local firms, integrating energy-efficient technologies and environmentally responsible construction practices.

The opening marks a continuation of WING’s collaboration with Accor, following the launch of the ibis Styles Budapest Airport in 2018. The TRIBE Budapest Airport Hotel is operated under a management agreement with Accor and adds to the over 1,000 hotel rooms WING has developed in Hungary.

WING CEO Noah Steinberg noted that the project addresses the growing demand for high-quality airport accommodation and supports Budapest Airport’s development as a regional travel hub. Budapest Airport CEO Francois Berisot welcomed the addition, highlighting its importance in enhancing passenger services amid rising traffic levels.

TRIBE first entered the Hungarian market in 2023 with the ibis & TRIBE Budapest Stadium hotel, located in WING’s Liberty development. The new airport location reinforces the brand’s focus on well-designed, functional spaces tailored to the needs of modern travellers.

Garbe Industrial Real Estate UK acquires logistics site near Liverpool for new development

Garbe Industrial Real Estate UK has expanded its presence in the United Kingdom with the acquisition of a 49,000-square-metre site in Skelmersdale, located northeast of Liverpool. The site will be developed into a logistics centre offering approximately 23,000 square metres of total floor area.

The location’s strong transport connections played a key role in the acquisition. The site is situated adjacent to the M58 motorway and offers direct access to Junction 26 of the M6—one of the region’s key logistics routes. “Facilities of this size are in very limited supply in the Liverpool–Manchester–Birmingham corridor,” said Chris Hornung, Country Head and Managing Director at Garbe Industrial Real Estate UK. “Securing this site supports our strategy of investing in underserved logistics markets.”

The planned facility will include 22,000 square metres of warehouse space and 1,000 square metres of office space. It will feature 18 dock levellers, three ground-level doors for heavy goods vehicles, and parking for 189 cars and 27 HGVs. Twenty electric vehicle charging stations are also included in the initial design, along with photovoltaic panels to support renewable energy use.

Full planning permission has already been granted. Garbe intends to develop the property to meet high sustainability standards, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and an EPC A rating.

Designed to appeal to a range of potential tenants, the facility will offer a warehouse height of 15 metres and a power capacity of 1.5 MVA, making it suitable not only for logistics and e-commerce but also for light manufacturing with high energy demands.

This marks Garbe UK’s second major investment in the country since entering the market in August 2024, following the acquisition of the Worksop Link project—an 8,000 and 43,000-square-metre two-unit development expected to complete in August 2025.

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