Accolade honored as Best Real Estate Property Fund Management Company at HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards held on May 13 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest, Accolade was recognized with the “Best of the Best Real Estate Property Fund Management of the Year” award. This accolade highlights Accolade’s exceptional performance in managing real estate investment funds across Central and Eastern Europe.

Accolade specializes in developing and managing modern, environmentally friendly industrial parks throughout Europe. The company’s portfolio includes over 60 parks across the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Spain, and the Netherlands. Accolade focuses on revitalizing brownfield sites, transforming them into sustainable industrial spaces that meet the highest environmental standards, including BREEAM and DGNB certifications.

The Accolade Industrial Fund, designed for qualified investors, offers opportunities to invest in these sustainable industrial properties. The fund boasts a diverse tenant base, including global brands in manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce sectors. Accolade’s commitment to sustainability and regional economic development has solidified its position as a leader in the European real estate investment landscape.

The HOF Awards, organized by CIJ Europe, celebrate excellence in real estate across Central and Eastern Europe. Winners are selected from national CIJ Award recipients, representing the pinnacle of achievement in the industry.

Accolade’s recognition at the HOF Awards 2025 underscores its dedication to sustainable development and innovative fund management in the real estate sector.

Griffin Capital Partners named Best Asset Management company at HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, Griffin Capital Partners was honored with the “Best of the Best Asset Management Company of the Year” award, recognizing its outstanding performance in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) real estate sector.

Griffin Capital Partners is the largest privately-owned investment and asset manager in private equity and real estate in CEE, Germany, and other selected EU countries. With offices in Warsaw and Germany, the firm manages investments across 18 platforms, with a gross asset value exceeding EUR 8 billion and total invested equity over EUR 4 billion.

The company’s investment platforms include notable entities such as Echo Investment, Bauwert, Murapol, Resi4Rent, LifeSpot, StudentSpace, European Logistics Investment, and IIPROP.

Griffin Capital Partners’ recognition at the HOF Awards 2025 underscores its role as a leader in sustainable and innovative asset management in the region.

Santander Bank Polska’s lease at The Bridge wins Best Commercial Lease at HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, Santander Bank Polska’s lease agreement for 24,500 square meters at The Bridge in Warsaw, developed by Ghelamco, was honored with the “Best of the Best Commercial Property Lease Transaction of the Year.” This transaction stands as the largest office lease in Poland since 2022.

The Bridge, a 40-story skyscraper located at Plac Europejski in Warsaw’s Wola district, is set to become Santander Bank Polska’s new headquarters in 2025. The bank will occupy the top 19 office floors and have exclusive access to a sky terrace on the 40th floor. Additionally, a modern branch of Santander Bank Polska will be situated on the ground floor of the neighboring historic Bellona building, which is integrated into The Bridge complex.

Designed by Dutch architectural firm UNStudio in collaboration with the Polish-Belgian firm Projekt Polsko-Belgijska Pracownia Architektury, The Bridge combines modern architecture with historical elements. The development will offer a total of 52,000 square meters of office space and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025.

The building emphasizes sustainability and technological innovation, aiming for energy neutrality and powered entirely by clean energy. It has secured platinum-level SmartScore and WiredScore certifications and is targeting WELL, BREEAM, and Green Building Standard certifications. Features include a Building Energy Management System, vacuum sewage technology to reduce water consumption by up to 75%, and Ghelamco’s proprietary Signal OS for efficient building management.

Jarosław Zagórski, Managing Director of Ghelamco Poland, stated, “Santander Bank Polska’s decision to lease half of The Bridge skyscraper is a testament to the project’s quality and our commitment to ESG principles.” Paweł Dziedzina, Director of the Department of Work Environment Management at Santander Bank Polska, added, “The Bridge’s ecological and technological certifications, along with its prime location, made it the ideal choice for our main office in Poland.”

The lease agreement was facilitated with advisory support from Colliers, highlighting the continued demand for top-tier office spaces in Warsaw’s business district .

NEPI Rockcastle wins Best Commercial Investment for €405M Silesia City Center deal

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, NEPI Rockcastle’s acquisition of Silesia City Center in Katowice, Poland, was honored with the “Best of the Best Commercial Property Investment Transaction of the Year.” This €405 million deal stands as one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most significant retail real estate transactions in recent years.

Silesia City Center, a dominant shopping mall in southern Poland, encompasses over 88,400 square meters of gross lettable area and boasts an impressive 98.4% occupancy rate. Anchor tenants include prominent brands such as Cinema City, H&M, Kaufland, Media Markt, Primark, Reserved, TK Maxx, and Zara. The center serves a substantial catchment area, with over 280,000 people within a 15-minute drive and nearly 2.2 million within 45 minutes, reflecting its strategic location and regional significance.

The acquisition was finalized in December 2024, with NEPI Rockcastle purchasing all shares of Helios SCC, the entity owning the mall, from a consortium comprising Allianz Finance VII Luxembourg (45%), Kamsa Luxco 2 (45%), and Cura Beteiligungsgesellschaft International (10%). The transaction also included the acquisition of Elco Energy and Elco ICT, providers of energy and communication services for the mall’s tenants.

NEPI Rockcastle funded the purchase primarily through a €300 million equity raise completed in October 2024. The company projects a net operating income of €30.3 million for 2024, with expectations to stabilize at €32 million following integration and asset management enhancements.

Rüdiger Dany, CEO of NEPI Rockcastle, remarked, “This high-quality shopping center has a commanding market position in Katowice, one of Poland’s largest and wealthiest cities. We look forward to leveraging our asset management expertise to drive long-term value growth in this latest investment.”

The HOF Awards jury recognized the acquisition for its scale, strategic execution, and contribution to strengthening NEPI Rockcastle’s portfolio in the region. This award underscores the company’s commitment to investing in core, income-producing properties within investment-grade countries.

Urbanity Campus Tachov Phase 2 wins Best Warehouse and Buildup at HOF Awards 2025

Urbanity Campus Tachov Phase 2, developed by Urbanity, was honored with the “Best of the Best Warehouse Buildup in Development of the Year and Best of the Best Warehouse Buildup in Development of the Year” at the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards. This recognition celebrates outstanding warehouse developments across Central and Eastern Europe, selected from national winners of the CIJ Awards.

Located in Tachov, near the German border, Urbanity Campus Tachov is a revitalized brownfield site transformed into a modern industrial complex. The campus spans approximately 200,000 square meters, with plans for 62,000 square meters of industrial space, 14,000 square meters of multifunctional areas, and 5,500 square meters of accommodation facilities

A hallmark of the campus is its commitment to sustainability. Urbanity Campus Tachov became the first industrial complex in the Czech Republic to receive the prestigious BREEAM Communities certification, achieving an “Excellent” rating. The certification reflects the project’s emphasis on social, economic, and environmental aspects, including the integration of shops, services, and a children’s group to support the local community.

The development also features renewable energy solutions, such as photovoltaic panels on the roofs connected to battery storage systems, and electric vehicle charging stations. These initiatives align with Urbanity’s vision of creating energy-efficient and community-integrated industrial spaces.

Urbanity Campus Tachov’s Phase 2 exemplifies innovative industrial development that prioritizes sustainability, functionality, and community engagement, setting a benchmark for future projects in the region.

Palác Savarin by CRESTYL wins Best Retail Development at HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, Palác Savarin, developed by CRESTYL, was honored with the “Best of the Best Retail Development of the Year” award. This recognition celebrates outstanding retail projects across Central and Eastern Europe, selected from national winners of the CIJ Awards.

Situated in the heart of Prague on Na Příkopě Street, Palác Savarin is a meticulously restored Baroque palace originally designed by architect Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. CRESTYL’s renovation, completed in September 2024, transformed the historic structure into a vibrant retail and cultural destination. The project included the restoration of eleven Baroque sculptures adorning the façade, reflecting a commitment to preserving the building’s architectural heritage.

The redevelopment of Palác Savarin is part of a larger urban revitalization initiative led by CRESTYL, encompassing a 15,000 square meter site. The comprehensive plan, designed in collaboration with British architect Thomas Heatherwick and engineering firm AFRY, aims to create interconnected public spaces, including courtyards, green areas, and commercial zones, linking Wenceslas Square with surrounding streets.

A notable feature of the renewed Palác Savarin is the upcoming Alphonse Mucha Museum, set to open in January 2025. The museum will showcase a collection of the artist’s works, including previously unseen pieces, and is expected to become a significant cultural attraction in Prague.

The HOF Awards jury commended Palác Savarin for its seamless integration of historical preservation with modern retail development, highlighting its role in enhancing Prague’s urban landscape and cultural offerings.

Dunaj Palace by ZEITGEIST wins Best Legacy Development at HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, Dunaj Palace in Prague, meticulously restored by ZEITGEIST Asset Management, was awarded the “Best of the Best Legacy (Reconstruction) Development of the Year.” This prestigious recognition celebrates exceptional restoration projects that harmoniously blend historical preservation with contemporary functionality.

Originally constructed in 1930 for the Austrian insurance company Donau, Dunaj Palace stands as a prime example of Constructivist architecture, designed by renowned architect Adolf Foehr. Situated at the intersection of Národní and Voršilská Streets in Prague’s UNESCO-listed heritage zone, the building has long been a significant cultural and historical landmark.

ZEITGEIST Asset Management undertook a comprehensive renovation of the nearly century-old structure, aiming to restore its First Republic elegance while integrating modern technologies. The refurbishment, completed in late 2023, preserved key historical elements such as the distinctive beige travertine façade, the central atrium with its original paternoster elevator, and terrazzo flooring. A new sloping terrace was added, seamlessly blending with the building’s original design. The project also focused on sustainability, achieving LEED Gold and WELL Gold certifications, reflecting its commitment to environmental standards.

The revitalized Dunaj Palace offers over 6,700 square meters of premium office space and 2,000 square meters dedicated to retail and services. Notably, it now houses the European Commission’s Representation and the European Parliament Liaison Office in the Czech Republic. These institutions have established a 15-year lease, occupying approximately 2,600 square meters, including a public “Europa Experience” center designed to engage citizens with interactive exhibits about the European Union.

Peter Noack, CEO of ZEITGEIST Asset Management, expressed pride in the project, stating, “Our aim was to return the Danube Palace to its First Republic elegance and style, preserving its historic, refined Genius Loci while equipping the building with the most modern technologies of today.” The successful restoration of Dunaj Palace not only revitalizes a historic structure but also sets a benchmark for sustainable and respectful urban redevelopment.

Timpuri Noi Square Phase 2 wins Best Office Buildup in Development at the HOF Awards 2025

At the 2025 Hall of Fame (HOF) Awards, Vastint Romania’s Timpuri Noi Square Phase 2 was honored with the “Best of the Best Office Buildup in Development of the Year” award. This accolade recognizes the most outstanding office development projects across Central and Eastern Europe, selected from national winners of the CIJ Awards.

Located in central Bucharest, Timpuri Noi Square is a mixed-use urban regeneration project that integrates office, retail, and residential spaces. The second phase of the development, initiated in March 2024, encompasses approximately 105,000 square meters of gross built area. This phase includes two new office buildings—Timpuri Noi Square 4 and Timpuri Noi Square 5—adding nearly 50,000 square meters of leasable space to the complex.

Timpuri Noi Square 4 is designed to be the tallest building in the complex, with 15 floors and around 26,000 square meters of space. Timpuri Noi Square 5 features an H-shaped structure with 8 floors and approximately 24,000 square meters of office space. The development also includes 5,000 square meters of retail space and approximately 600 parking spaces.

A hallmark of Phase 2 is its commitment to sustainability. The project is designed to eliminate the use of fossil fuels, utilizing renewable energy sources such as 1,700 square meters of photovoltaic panels and two heat pump systems—air-to-water and ground-source—supported by 200 geothermal wells. These features aim to achieve the highest level of green certification, LEED Platinum.

The structural works are managed by DESA Engineering Construction, with Bureau Veritas overseeing construction site supervision and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Timpuri Noi Square’s strategic location along Splaiul Unirii, near the Timpuri Noi metro station, offers excellent connectivity to public transportation and major roadways. The area is enriched with educational institutions, parks, and commercial centers, enhancing its appeal as a dynamic urban environment.

With the completion of Phase 2, Vastint Romania’s office and commercial portfolio will expand to 150,000 square meters of leasable space, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable urban development in Romania.

Roztyly Plaza by Passerinvest honored as Best of the Best Office Development at HOF Awards 2025

At the prestigious HOF (Hall of Fame) Awards 2025, Roztyly Plaza, developed by Passerinvest Group, was awarded the title of “Best of the Best Office Development of the Year.” This accolade recognizes the most outstanding office project across Central and Eastern Europe, selected from national winners of the CIJ Awards.

Roztyly Plaza, situated in Prague 11 adjacent to the Roztyly metro station on the C line, was completed and opened to tenants in March 2024. Designed by the renowned architectural studio Aulík Fišer Architekti, the seven-story building offers 21,700 m² of modern office space and 1,600 m² of retail units on the ground floor. Amenities include a public canteen, supermarket, pharmacy, and a rooftop terrace with greenery, providing relaxation zones and spaces for informal meetings.

The building’s design emphasizes sustainability and integration with nature, being located near the Krč Forest and the Nové Roztyly park. It features energy-efficient technologies and has achieved BREEAM certification, reflecting its commitment to environmental standards.

Roztyly Plaza has garnered multiple awards, including the “Building of the Year 2024” by the Foundation for the Development of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and the “Best Office Development of the Year” at the CIJ Awards Czech Republic 2024.

The HOF Awards jury praised Roztyly Plaza for its architectural excellence, sustainable design, and contribution to the revitalization of the Roztyly area. The project exemplifies modern administrative architecture that harmoniously blends with its surroundings, setting a new standard for office developments in the region.

Passerinvest Group’s achievement with Roztyly Plaza underscores its role as a leader in creating innovative and sustainable urban spaces in the Czech Republic.

The Meadows by Speedwell wins Best Residential Buildup In Development at HOF Awards 2025

Speedwell’s residential project, The Meadows, located in Bucharest, Romania, was honored with the “Best of the Best Residential Buildup In Development” award at the 10th annual HOF Awards Gala held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Bucharest. This accolade recognized The Meadows as a leading residential development in Central and Eastern Europe.

Situated on a 5.6-hectare site along Grivița Lake, The Meadows comprises 38 townhouses and 16 low-rise apartment buildings, totaling 360 residential units. The project emphasizes sustainable design, green spaces, and community integration, offering residents a blend of urban convenience and natural surroundings. Its proximity to the Laminorului subway station ensures easy access to Bucharest’s city center and northern business districts.

The HOF Awards, organized by CIJ EUROPE, celebrate excellence in real estate development across Central and Eastern Europe. Winners are selected through a combination of jury evaluations and votes from CIJ readers, highlighting projects that demonstrate innovation, quality, and impact in the industry.

Speedwell’s recognition at the HOF Awards underscores its commitment to developing residential communities that prioritize sustainability, design excellence, and quality of life. The success of The Meadows reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to contribute positively to Bucharest’s urban landscape and set benchmarks in residential development within the region.

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