Garbe secures major lease with outdoor equipment manufacturer in Ludwigsau

Garbe Industrial Real Estate GmbH has signed a significant rental agreement, securing a new tenant in the outdoor equipment industry for its 55,000-square-metre logistics facility in Ludwigsau, Hesse.

The lease marks another success for Garbe Industrial Real Estate, following a series of recent high-profile lettings. Adrian Zellner, Member of the Executive Board, emphasized the importance of this latest deal, highlighting the company’s ability to maintain momentum in an evolving market. He expressed gratitude to everyone involved in finalizing the lease and noted that the transaction reinforces the continued demand for high-quality logistics properties.

The state-of-the-art logistics facility, developed by Garbe Industrial Real Estate and built by Fabrikon as the general contractor, consists of two parallel buildings in the Mecklar-Meckbach industrial estate. The €100 million investment is strategically located within the Bad Hersfeld, Bebra, and Rotenburg an der Fulda triangle, offering excellent transport connectivity.

Prior to this agreement, Garbe Industrial Real Estate had leased 32,000 square metres of the facility to a leading car manufacturer for spare parts storage. An additional 8,400 square metres remain available for immediate lease.

Developed as a multi-user facility without fixed rental commitments, the Ludwigsau complex has proven to be a highly attractive logistics location. Zellner noted that the recent lease agreements demonstrate that demand for premium logistics space remains strong, even in challenging market conditions. The facility meets internationally recognized ESG standards and has been awarded Gold certification by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

The prime location of the site ensures seamless access to key transport routes. It is directly connected to the A4 motorway (Kirchheim-Dresden) via the B27 federal road (Göttingen-Fulda), with the Kirchheimer Dreieck junction providing access to the A7 motorway, one of Germany’s major north-south transport corridors.

The real estate service provider CBRE acted as the broker for the transaction, further solidifying Garbe Industrial Real Estate’s strong position in the logistics sector.

Czech government to present affordable housing projects amid growing demand

The Czech government will present specific projects supported by the Affordable Housing Program at a press conference today, highlighting efforts to boost the construction of affordable rental apartments owned by municipalities and private entities. The initiative aims to ease the country’s housing crisis by offering below-market rental rates, particularly in high-demand urban areas.

The press conference, which will be broadcast live by the Czech News Agency at 16:00, will feature Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS), Minister of Regional Development Petr Kulhánek (STAN), Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (ODS), and Daniel Ryšávka, Director of the State Investment Support Fund (SFPI).

The Affordable Housing Program, overseen by the Ministry of Regional Development (MMR) and SFPI, has been allocated CZK 7 billion until 2026. Applications for funding began on October 1, 2024, supporting the construction, renovation, and expansion of affordable rental housing.

Financial assistance includes subsidies covering up to 40% of project costs and low-interest loans covering up to 65%, allowing up to 90% of total investment costs to be financed. Loans have a maturity of up to 30 years with no early repayment fees. Municipalities and private legal entities are eligible to apply.

As of October 2024, SFPI was processing 44 applications worth CZK 2.5 billion, expected to deliver 725 rental apartments. Of this amount, CZK 930 million comes from direct subsidies, while CZK 1.55 billion is provided through preferential loans. Additionally, an earlier rental housing program approved 32 projects worth over CZK 1 billion, set to deliver 474 apartments, with three-quarters of them scheduled for completion in 2025.

The affordable housing initiative was initially developed under former Minister for Regional Development Ivan Bartoš (Pirates), who had called for increased funding for municipal rental housing. However, following his departure from the government, Finance Minister Zbyněk Stanjura (ODS) stated that funds would be released only after evaluating submitted projects.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) has expressed reservations about Bartoš’s original proposal, arguing that it was too broad in scope. He indicated that the government coalition prefers a more targeted approach, focusing on excluded localities. Additionally, Fiala suggested that the government is considering mortgage guarantees for young people to improve housing affordability, making homeownership possible for single-income households.

With growing pressure to address housing shortages, the Affordable Housing Program is expected to play a crucial role in expanding the availability of lower-cost rental housing in the Czech Republic.

Source: CTK

STRABAG PFS and CA Immo sign long-term facility management agreement for 150,000 sqm portfolio

STRABAG Property and Facility Services (STRABAG PFS) has secured a long-term facility management contract with CA Immo, covering ten prime office properties across Munich, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with a total rental area of approximately 150,000 sqm.

Under the agreement, STRABAG PFS will provide comprehensive technical and infrastructure facility management services, ensuring 24/7 operations, building maintenance, cleaning, winter services, and security. A key focus of the collaboration is supporting CA Immo’s ESG and decarbonization efforts, particularly for buildings certified under LEED and DGNB sustainability standards. STRABAG PFS will also implement project-related modernization measures through its BESTAND BEYOND initiative.

The partnership builds on STRABAG PFS’s existing cooperation with CA Immo, having managed the 49-story ONE office and hotel tower in Frankfurt for over three years. With 88,000 m² of gross floor area, ONE is considered one of Germany’s most modern and technologically advanced properties, with STRABAG PFS delivering nearly 90% of facility services in-house.

As part of its long-term real estate strategy, CA Immo is transitioning to a model of strategic partnerships for property management, awarding its Germany-wide portfolio to two key service providers. With this latest contract, STRABAG PFS reinforces its position as a leading facility management provider in Germany’s commercial real estate sector.

CTP expands partnership with Milšped through 64,000 sqm lease across serbia

CTP has signed three new lease agreements with Milšped, one of the region’s top logistics providers, adding 64,000 sqm of space to its expanding operations. With this latest deal, Milšped’s total footprint with CTP now reaches 105,000 sqm, reinforcing its position as one of CTP’s largest clients in Serbia.

The new leases cover CTParks in key Serbian cities, including Niš, Belgrade, and Novi Sad, reflecting the rapid expansion of the third-party logistics (3PL) sector in the region. The growth is being driven by nearshoring, increasing regional manufacturing activity, and rising e-commerce demand.

At CTPark Belgrade West, Milšped secured the entire SIM 6 building in December, enabling the company to provide logistics services for a leading multinational client. Located in Šimanovci, an established industrial hub with direct access to the Beograd-Zagreb E-701 motorway and Nikola Tesla International Airport, the new facility will significantly enhance Milšped’s regional distribution capabilities.

In June 2024, Milšped expanded into CTPark Niš, Serbia’s third-largest city, leveraging its central location to serve major international clients. The company is also growing its operations in Novi Sad, increasing space at CTPark Novi Sad East to meet the growing demands of its client base. The park benefits from direct international railway access and proximity to the EU border, making it an ideal logistics hub for cross-border operations.

Laza Kovačević, Managing Director for CTP Serbia, emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership, highlighting that 70% of CTP’s new leases are with existing clients. He noted that Milšped’s expansion demonstrates the effectiveness of CTP’s scalable and flexible logistics solutions, helping businesses adapt to fast-changing market needs.

Nebojsa Krivokuca, Milšped representative, praised the collaboration with CTP, stating that the new logistics facilities will provide the infrastructure necessary to support its expanding multinational client base and strengthen its market presence in Serbia.

CTP continues to be a dominant force in Serbia’s logistics and industrial market, managing a total gross leasable area (GLA) of 600,000 sqm, with an additional 200,000 sqm set for delivery in 2025. Its strategically located industrial parks, including CTPark Belgrade North and CTPark Belgrade West, offer Class A facilities with strong connectivity to major European cities and Nikola Tesla International Airport. The growing investment opportunities in Serbia’s logistics sector are expected to further strengthen the country’s position as a regional logistics hub.

Syrena Real Estate transitions to 100% green energy under new agreement with Polenergia

Syrena Real Estate, a property manager and owner in Warsaw and Wrocław, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by signing a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement (cPPA) with Polenergia Sale. The four-year contract ensures that four key properties in Syrena’s portfolio will be powered entirely by renewable energy from the Dębsk and Strzelino wind farms, owned by Polenergia Group.

Under the agreement, 30,000 MWh of green energy will be supplied to Diuna office complex (46,000 sqm), HOP office building (14,000 sqm), PRS Habitu (3,000 sqm) in Warsaw, and Office Komandorska (4,000 sqm) in Wrocław. The transition to 100% renewable energy began at the start of 2025, ensuring that Syrena’s properties operate with minimal carbon footprint while stabilizing long-term energy costs.

Witold Zatoński, Founder of Syrena Real Estate, highlighted the agreement as a key milestone in the company’s ESG strategy, reinforcing its commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving energy efficiency. He emphasized that sustainability is at the core of Syrena’s business model, with the deal representing a crucial step toward minimizing environmental impact.

Ireneusz Sawicki of Polenergia Sprzedaż Sp. z o.o. described cPPAs as a cornerstone of the real estate sector’s energy transition, enabling companies to stabilize costs while promoting renewable energy development. He praised Syrena Real Estate for its responsible approach to property management, prioritizing both tenant comfort and environmental sustainability.

Czech construction output rises by 9.7% in December despite drop in housing completions

The Czech construction sector saw a 9.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in output in December, with a 4.5% rise compared to November, according to data from the Czech Statistical Office (CZSO). Growth was driven by both civil engineering and building construction, despite a significant drop in completed dwellings and a decline in building permit values.

Radek Matějka, Director of the Agricultural and Forestry, Industrial, Construction, and Energy Statistics Department at CZSO, highlighted that construction activity was strong across both segments, with building construction increasing by 7.8% and civil engineering construction up by 13.3% year-on-year.

Building Permits and Housing Development Decline

While construction activity remained high, the value of building permits granted in December fell by 6.6% year-on-year, totaling CZK 78.7 billion.

The residential sector faced challenges, with the number of newly started dwellings falling by 5.7% y-o-y to 2,990 units. The number of completed dwellings dropped sharply by 60.1% y-o-y, with declines seen in both single-family houses and multi-dwelling buildings.

Petra Cuřínová, Head of the Construction Statistics Unit at CZSO, attributed the steep decline in completed dwellings to a high comparison base from the previous year, in addition to a lower volume of completed projects in December.

Czech Growth Outpaces EU Trends

According to Eurostat, construction output in the EU27 increased by 0.9% y-o-y in November 2024, indicating that Czech construction performed well above the European average. Eurostat is set to release December 2024 data on February 20, 2025.

Despite challenges in the housing sector, the strong performance in civil engineering and overall construction output suggests continued resilience in the Czech construction industry heading into 2025.

Source: Czech Statistical Office

Promatic moves headquarters to Wola Center as office building nears full lease

Hines, the global real estate investment, development, and property management firm, has announced that Promatic has signed a long-term lease agreement at Wola Center in Warsaw. With this transaction, the occupancy rate of the office complex has now surpassed 93%, bringing it close to full lease.

Promatic, the largest Polish manufacturer of slot machines, games, and system solutions for the gambling industry, has secured a six-year lease for 1,200 sqm of office space on the 6th floor, along with dedicated parking spaces. The lease negotiations were conducted without an external agent, while Hines was advised by the DPPA law firm.

Kinga Królak-Przybyła, Director of Strategy and Innovation at Promatic, emphasized that Wola Center’s modern infrastructure and prime location were key factors in the company’s decision. She highlighted that the flexible office spaces and creative zones align with Promatic’s innovation-driven approach, while the proximity to business partners and transport connections ensures an efficient working environment.

Patrycja Zyśk, Leasing Manager at Hines Poland, expressed satisfaction with the rapid leasing progress at Wola Center, noting that the complex continues to attract dynamic and innovative companies. She added that the high-quality office spaces, modern infrastructure, and strategic location provide tenants with an optimal environment for business growth.

Located at 33 Przyokopowa Street in Warsaw’s Wola district, Wola Center benefits from excellent connectivity via public transport, the underground, and Warsaw Ochota railway station. The 34,930 sqm complex features office, coworking, and retail spaces, alongside first-class amenities, including a green patio, rooftop terraces, and extensive cycling infrastructure with racks and showers. The building’s parking facilities offer 121 public spaces and 249 reserved tenant spaces, along with EV charging stations.

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, Wola Center has achieved the BREEAM In-Use “Outstanding” certification, recognizing its adherence to international environmental standards.

With Wola Center nearing full occupancy, the complex continues to position itself as a leading business destination in Warsaw’s rapidly growing office market.

Piotr Staniszewski joins Jury Committee for 24th CIJ Awards Poland

CIJ EUROPE is proud to announce that Piotr Staniszewski, Partner at Dentons Poland, will serve as a jury committee member for the 24th CIJ Awards Poland.

A seasoned expert in real estate and corporate law. Staniszewski brings extensive experience in commercial transactions, investment structuring, and property development. He advises both domestic and international clients on complex legal matters across real estate, finance, and infrastructure sectors, making him a highly respected figure in the industry.

Recognized for his strategic approach and in-depth market knowledge, Piotr has played a key role in high-profile acquisitions, leasing negotiations, and development projects. His expertise extends to real estate M&A transactions, and investment structuring, making him a trusted advisor for major institutional investors, developers, and corporations operating in Poland and Central Europe.

As a seasoned legal professional, Piotr is actively engaged in industry discussions, regulatory developments, and thought leadership initiatives, ensuring that clients receive practical and forward-thinking legal solutions. His work at Dentons Poland reinforces the firm’s reputation as a leading legal service provider in the real estate sector.

The winners of each individual categories also advance as nominations for the Best of the Best CIJ HOF (Hall of Fame) Awards this year in May. The Hall of Fame Awards is the climax to the CIJ Awards series, pitting the winning projects and companies from around Central & Eastern Europe against each other to determine who the Best of the Best really are.

About CIJ EUROPE:
For almost 30 years, CIJ EUROPE has been reporting on new projects, properties, transactions and development initiatives, while also providing commentaries and detailed analyses of the market, statistics and information on the latest trends in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe and in the international real estate development community. It presents interviews with the people who shape the industry, influential politicians, and key officials who decide on planning and public tenders. It is an important and reliable source of information about the development, property and construction industry in CEE and Europe.

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EFL relocates Kraków branch to B4B, secures lease with Revetas Capital

Revetas Capital has secured a new lease agreement in Bonarka for Business (B4B) with EFL, a Polish leasing company. EFL, part of the Credit Agricole Group, will occupy 450 sqm of office space in Building D of the B4B office complex. EFL specializes in customized leasing solutions, including lease, loan, rent, insurance, and various additional services.

“The location of the office in a modern, high-standard office complex with the availability of parking spaces was one of the main factors that determined the choice of this location. An undoubted advantage is the location of the complex itself in an attractive area, next to a shopping mall with access to restaurants, gyms and shops. Additionally, we appreciated the flexible approach of the building owner and ensuring turnkey space finishing in line with our requirements and expectations. I am convinced that our customers will appreciate the change of location. Employees will be able to enjoy the comfort of working in a modern office building offering a number of modern technological solutions that facilitate everyday work,” said Magdalena Wieczorek, Regional Director at EFL.

Antonio Pomes, Director-Country Head of Portfolio Management for Revetas Capital, declares: “The main considerations for this transaction included the building’s quality, its location, the range of amenities, and the availability of parking. This new lease demonstrate Revetas’ strong asset management and attractiveness of the scheme on the office market in Krakow. Supported by CERES’ efficient property management, this partnership highlights Revetas’ commitment to delivering exceptional value to our investors.”

Anna Krztoń, Leasing Director at TriGranit, responsible for the transaction, said, “The relocation also represents a substantial upgrade in terms of building quality, offering a more modern and comfortable work environment. This combination of amenities, location, and enhanced services made B4B the ideal choice for EFL.”

Lion’s Head acquires 15-Hectare plot in Popesti Leordeni

Lion’s Head, a real estate investment fund with assets in Romania and Bulgaria, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of a 15-hectare plot in Popești-Leordeni, a key logistics and industrial location near Bucharest. The transaction, facilitated by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, marks Lion’s Head’s entry into the Romanian industrial market and its debut in real estate development.

The acquired site is located just a few kilometers from the Bucharest Ring Road, near the future A0 motorway, an area that has become a prime destination for logistics and industrial developments. Its modern road infrastructure and excellent connectivity to national and international routes make it one of the most attractive industrial hubs in Romania.

Andrei Brînzea, Business Development Land & Industrial at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating that Bucharest’s southern region is an emerging hotspot for logistics investments. He noted that the site’s proximity to the future A0 motorway and national road network strengthens its potential as a major industrial hub. The transaction also highlights the growing diversification of Romania’s logistics market, attracting both new and established players.

The Bucharest-Ilfov industrial and logistics sector continues to experience rapid growth, with total stock exceeding 2 million square meters by the end of 2024 and an occupancy rate of over 95%. The surge in domestic consumption and e-commerce expansion has fueled demand for modern logistics facilities, making the Romanian capital a key market for both international and local investors.

Photo: Andrei Brînzea, Business Development Land & Industrial at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox

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