Medicine opens largest Polish store at Silesia City Center as NEPI Rockcastle partnership expands

Polish fashion and lifestyle brand Medicine has expanded its presence across the shopping centre portfolio of NEPI Rockcastle in Poland, including the opening of its largest store in the country at Silesia City Center.

The new unit in Katowice measures 985 sqm, almost three times the size of the brand’s previous store at the centre. It forms part of a broader rollout across NEPI Rockcastle’s Polish portfolio, which comprises 15 properties with a total gross leasable area of approximately 600,000 sqm and represents around 35% of the group’s total assets by value.

Further expansion includes a 740 sqm store at Magnolia Park, an extension of more than 600 sqm at Galeria Warmińska, as well as new units at Pogoria Shopping Centre and CH Platan.

Medicine is one of the largest domestic fashion brands in Poland by revenue, positioned in the “art-fashion” segment with a focus on artistic prints and collaborations.

Katarzyna Jabłońska-Miedzik, Regional Head of Leasing (Poland) at NEPI Rockcastle, said: “Changing the concept and offering customers a new space can have a noticeable impact on revenue growth. In many cases, modernising the store, even without increasing its area, is enough to drive double digit sales growth. Our role is not only to manage real estate, but to anticipate trends and support our tenants in realising their visions. The projects implemented with Medicine show how this strategy can be delivered in practice.”

Iwona Kwadrans, Interior Design Manager at Medicine, said: “The showroom in Silesia City Center is the largest space in our store chain, and it allows us to fully realize our concept by showcasing areas that previously couldn’t be well presented on such a large scale. This is where the HOME area makes its mark, serving as a natural extension of the Medicine world. It introduces customers to a range of clothing, accessories, and home goods, weaving a coherent, multifaceted narrative about lifestyle. It’s no longer just a trend. It’s a more complete brand experience.”

Kwadrans added: “The journey into this Medicine world begins with a modest storefront. Its understated design serves as a kind of prelude and doesn’t reveal everything at once, but instead intrigues and encourages customers to discover what lies beyond. The size of the store allows this promise to be fully realized. As they move through the space, visitors pass through different zones—familiar yet reimagined. The art section, one of the cornerstones of Medicine, takes on a new dimension here: it is more prominent, more immersive, and more deeply integrated into the architecture of the space.”

The expansion reflects a wider trend among retailers in Central and Eastern Europe towards larger store formats and upgraded concepts that combine retail with lifestyle and experiential elements.

Justyna Bartosz, Group Leasing Director at NEPI Rockcastle, said: “Silesia City Center and Magnolia Park in Poland — the latest additions to NEPI Rockcastle’s portfolio — are being transformed through the implementation of a proactive leasing strategy aimed at evolving shopping malls beyond traditional retail into more dynamic destinations where fashion, culture and experience come together. Brand alliances, such as that with Medicine, help strengthen destination and broaden audience appeal.”

She added: “Poland is only part of a broader story. We are growing the Medicine partnership in international markets too. In Slovakia, where the brand already has a strong presence, and Romania, where discussions are at an early but promising stage. Medicine has chosen NEPI Rockcastle’s portfolio as the foundation of its international presence, confirming that large scale retail concepts home-grown in CEE translate well across the region.”

DRFG launches construction of 3 Dvory residential scheme near Brno

DRFG has commenced construction of the 3 Dvory residential development in Újezd u Brna, marking the start of a project that will deliver 159 apartments alongside a kindergarten and local retail facilities. The scheme, located on Sportovní Street, is positioned to address sustained housing demand in the wider Brno metropolitan area, where new supply has recently slowed.

Population growth in the Brno-venkov district continues to be driven largely by migration, particularly among younger residents seeking housing outside the city while maintaining access to employment, education and services in Brno. At the same time, official data indicates a decline in residential completions in the area, pointing to a tightening supply pipeline.

Against this backdrop, the 3 Dvory project is designed to offer a mix of units ranging from studios to four-room apartments, combining suburban living with connectivity to Brno, approximately 25 kilometres away. In addition to residential units, the development will incorporate a kindergarten and small-scale retail, targeting a broad demographic including families, couples and individuals.

“Residence 3 Dvory is an important project for us, combining long-term investment logic with concrete benefits for the local community. Újezd u Brna has strong development potential due to its location, and our goal is to seize this potential responsibly. In addition to affordable apartments, we therefore also emphasise civic amenities, public space, and services for future residents and the wider environment,” said David Rusňák, Chairman of the Board of DRFG.

The scheme comprises six low-rise buildings arranged around three shared courtyards, with a focus on communal outdoor space. All apartments will include private outdoor areas such as terraces, balconies or gardens, as well as storage units. Parking will be provided at surface level, while the central courtyards are intended to support leisure and community interaction.

“The start of construction makes me very happy not only because there is a lot of interest in the project. The architectural solution complemented by above-standard civic amenities makes it a development that meets current trends and needs. In Újezd u Brna, a modern project with high-quality and affordable housing is being created that respects the character of the city,” said Jan Pelíšek, Director of DRFG Real Estate.

The development’s location provides access to nearby recreational infrastructure, including a sports hall, cycling routes and natural areas along the Litava River, supporting a mix of everyday and leisure activities.

Construction is being carried out by PORR through its Czech and Slovak division.

“We appreciate the opportunity to participate in a project by such a major developer as DRFG. Residence 3 Dvory builds on our experience in the construction of large-scale housing projects and confirms our ability to implement high-quality and functional housing on a larger scale. The PORR Group has long been one of the leading construction companies in Central Europe, with annual output in the order of billions of euros and thousands of completed projects, which allows us to transfer best practices to this project. We also appreciate the well-thought-out concept – from the quiet location with good accessibility to Brno to the emphasis on civic amenities and high-quality public space for future residents,” said Peter Suchý, CFO and Member of the Board of Directors at PORR.

Gulf markets trail global surge as geopolitical risks temper investor sentiment

Equity markets across the Gulf region delivered a modest recovery in April 2026, but failed to match the strength of the rebound seen in global markets, as ongoing tensions in the Middle East continued to shape investor behaviour.

Internationally, April marked a sharp turnaround after a weak start to the year. Major indices in the United States and emerging markets recorded strong double-digit gains, supported by improving sentiment and a recovery in technology stocks. Asian markets also performed well, while Europe posted more limited advances, reflecting economic pressures linked to regional instability.

Against this backdrop, Gulf markets moved in the same direction but at a much slower pace. Regional benchmarks edged higher overall, following declines in the previous two months, although the improvement was relatively subdued. Market performance across the Gulf was broadly positive, but varied by country, with some exchanges showing stronger momentum than others.

Dubai stood out as the strongest performer during the month, benefiting from a rebound after earlier losses. Gains were supported by industrial and consumer-facing companies, while the emirate’s property sector continued to demonstrate resilience, with transaction activity remaining elevated in early 2026.

Kuwait also recorded solid gains, driven in part by smaller companies and supported by expectations of positive corporate earnings, particularly in the banking sector. Trading volumes increased significantly, indicating renewed investor interest.

Elsewhere, Abu Dhabi and Qatar posted moderate growth, reflecting a more balanced sector performance. Bahrain also recovered part of its earlier decline, helped by gains in real estate and financial stocks. Oman extended its upward trajectory, continuing a strong run that has positioned it as the best-performing market in the region so far this year.

Saudi Arabia was the only major market in the Gulf to decline during April, with investors taking profits following earlier gains. Despite this, it remains one of the stronger performers on a year-to-date basis.

Across sectors, most industries recorded gains, although some consumer-oriented segments and healthcare stocks lagged. Financials and transport-related businesses were among the better performers during the month.

External factors continued to play a significant role. Oil prices rose to multi-year highs amid concerns over supply disruptions, while geopolitical developments contributed to market volatility and a cautious approach among investors.

Overall, while Gulf equity markets showed signs of stabilisation, their performance remained muted compared to the global rebound, highlighting the continued impact of regional uncertainty on investor confidence.

Avison Young appoints Bartłomiej Krzyżak and Marcin Purgal as Co-Heads of Investment in Poland

Avison Young has promoted Bartłomiej Krzyżak and Marcin Purgal to Co-Heads of its Investment Department in Poland, expanding their roles within the firm’s local leadership structure.

Bartłomiej Krzyżak, previously Senior Director, brings around 18 years of experience in the commercial real estate sector. Before joining Avison Young in 2017, he held positions at CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield and Savills. At Avison Young, he has been involved in sourcing investment opportunities, overseeing acquisition and disposal processes and conducting financial analysis. His recent transactions include advising the buyer on the acquisition of the Royal Wilanów office scheme in Warsaw.

Marcin Purgal, also promoted from Senior Director, has more than two decades of experience in the Polish and Central and Eastern European real estate markets. A member of RICS, he previously worked at Savills and Knight Frank. In his role at Avison Young, he focuses on investment advisory, managing transaction processes and maintaining client relationships.

Michał Ćwikliński, Managing Director for the EMEA region at Avison Young, said: “I am very proud of Bartłomiej and Marcin’s well-deserved promotions and the broader scope of their roles in the growth process of the Investment Department. Bartłomiej and I opened the Avison Young office in Poland together, and Marcin joined shortly afterwards, importantly reinforcing the firm. They are both excellent brokers, and their skills and market experience will complement each other perfectly in responding even better to the needs of our clients.”

The Investment Department in Poland is currently advising on around 40 projects at various stages, covering assets across multiple sectors in Warsaw and regional markets.

Catella appoints Nils Sommersel as Chief Digital Officer

Catella has appointed Nils Sommersel as Chief Digital Officer, a newly defined Group-level role focused on advancing the company’s digital strategy across its European operations.

Based in Copenhagen, Sommersel will take up the position on 1 June and will be responsible for overseeing digital governance, platform development and transformation initiatives. His remit includes aligning technology and data capabilities with business objectives, with an emphasis on scalable systems and measurable outcomes.

Sommersel joins from ATP Ejendomme, where he served as Head of Digital Solutions, leading the organisation’s digital and data transformation. He has previously held senior roles at DEAS Group, Georg Jensen and Dell.

In his new role, he will lead efforts to develop digital platforms, strengthen governance structures and support transformation programmes across Catella’s business lines.

Rikke Lykke, Group CEO at Catella, said: “The appointment marks an important step in accelerating our digital transformation journey. Nils Sommersel brings deep expertise in digital strategy, governance and technology leadership, combined with a proven ability to execute complex transformation programmes. This will be instrumental in further strengthening Catella’s digital platform and supporting our long-term strategic ambitions.”

Nils Sommersel added: “I am excited to join Catella at such an important stage in its development. Catella has strong ambitions and a clear strategic direction, and I look forward to contributing to the continued development of scalable digital capabilities that create value across the Group.”

Swiss Life Asset Managers acquires science and education asset in Aachen

Swiss Life Asset Managers has invested in the Technologiezentrum Aachen, a predominantly leased education and research property in Aachen, reinforcing its focus on long-term income-generating assets in the science and education sector.

The property is located on Dennewartstraße near Europaplatz and offers approximately 24,050 sq m of lettable space. Around 80% of the building is configured as office space, complemented by laboratory and research-oriented “science box” units, as well as ancillary areas including storage and food services. The occupancy rate exceeds 90%.

The scheme is positioned as a hub for education and research activities and sits on a site of over 16,000 sq m. It meets established sustainability and digital infrastructure standards, holding a BREEAM “Excellent” certification and a WiredScore Gold rating.

The main tenant is the Bau- und Liegenschaftsbetrieb Nordrhein-Westfalen, which uses the majority of the space for academic and research purposes, including for RWTH Aachen University. Universities and research institutions account for more than 60% of the rental income.

Florian Bauer, Head Real Estate Project Development Europe at Swiss Life Asset Managers, said: “The Technologiezentrum Aachen combines a stable tenant structure with a clear functional focus within the science and research environment. Such investments are characterised by long-term value stability, low sensitivity to economic cycles and a high level of institutional quality.”

Panattoni launches large-scale speculative logistics scheme in Worksop

Panattoni has started construction of a 462,000 sq ft speculative logistics and manufacturing facility at Manton Wood Distribution Park in Worksop, with completion scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.

The development, known as Panattoni Worksop 460, is being delivered without a pre-let and is designed to accommodate both industrial and distribution occupiers. The scheme has planning consent for B2 (general industrial) and B8 (storage and distribution) use.

The building will provide a total gross internal area of 462,000 sq ft, including approximately 441,700 sq ft of warehouse space and nearly 15,000 sq ft of Grade A offices arranged over three floors. Additional space is allocated for transport functions. The specification reflects current occupier requirements, with an 18-metre clear internal height, 43 dock doors, including eight Euro docks, four level access doors, and a yard depth of 55 metres. The site will also include 386 parking spaces and 48 electric vehicle charging points.

Panattoni is targeting BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and EPC ‘A’ certifications, alongside net zero carbon in construction. Planned sustainability measures include rooftop photovoltaic panels, rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient lighting.

The scheme also includes a further five acres of adjacent land, offering potential for future expansion or additional operational uses such as vehicle parking or outdoor storage.

Worksop is located within reach of key transport infrastructure, including the M1 and A1(M), providing access to major regional markets across the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East. The area has an established logistics presence, with occupiers such as DHL and B&Q operating nearby.

Andy Preston, Senior Development Director at Panattoni, said: “Worksop punches above its weight as a logistics location. It offers great connectivity and a genuinely strong labour market within commuting distance of Sheffield, Doncaster and Nottingham, and that combination is increasingly difficult to find at this scale. We are seeing real depth of demand from occupiers who need large-format, high-specification space and need it quickly, and this building is designed to meet that requirement from day one.

We already have some early engagement from occupiers on the speculative opportunity. For occupiers with longer-term growth ambitions, there is also an additional five acres of land directly adjacent to the site, which could be used for HGV parking or external storage, a flexibility that is increasingly hard to find at this scale and in this location.”

Union Investment leases first two units at City Logistics Hub in Nuremberg

Union Investment has signed a lease agreement with TOGE Dübel for two logistics warehouses, including office space, at the City Logistics Hub in Nuremberg. The tenant has secured a total of 5,046 sq m to expand its operations near its existing location.

TOGE Dübel, part of the Würth Group, is expected to take handover of the space in September, while completion of the warehouses is scheduled for January 2027.

The project involves the redevelopment of the former Meister Areal retail park into a largely electrified urban logistics scheme, providing approximately 26,700 sq m of logistics space alongside a local retail centre for residents and employees. Union Investment is investing around €60 million in the transformation through its open-ended institutional fund, UniInstitutional German Real Estate.

Matthias Wagner, Asset Manager and Project Manager at Union Investment, said: “The signing of the lease agreement with TOGE Dübel marks another important milestone for our transformation project. We are currently in discussions with interested parties regarding three further warehouses, which are due for completion next year. For the local retail space, we signed a long-term lease agreement with Edeka at an early stage.”

HIH Invest Real Estate acquires mixed-use property on Chancery Lane in London

HIH Invest Real Estate has acquired the office and retail property at 67–73 Chancery Lane in London for a special fund from a private foundation. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The asset, located in Midtown between the West End and the City of London, provides approximately 7,230 sq m of total lettable space. This includes around 5,325 sq m of office space, 1,436 sq m of retail space and 469 sq m of residential space. The building was redeveloped behind partly retained historic façades, completed in 2008 and comprehensively refurbished in 2024. The leasehold has a remaining term of approximately 175 years.

The office space is fully let to WSP UK, which occupies the building as its UK headquarters. The lease runs until 2039, with extension options. The retail component comprises seven units across the ground floor and part of the basement, while the residential element consists of nine units; both are fully let.

The property benefits from proximity to transport connections, including Chancery Lane Underground station, Holborn Underground station and Farringdon station.

Matthias Brodeßer, Head of Transaction Management Office International at HIH Invest, said: “The acquisition is being made counter-cyclically in a market phase where falling prices are creating attractive entry opportunities. In addition to the high quality of the location and the asset, the significant rental growth potential of the property was a key factor for us.”

Martin Payne, Managing Director UK at HIH Invest, added: “The transaction underlines the strength of our local network in a highly competitive market such as London. Through our long-standing relationships and continuous market presence on the ground, we were able to secure early access to this core Midtown asset. In an environment of limited product availability, robust deal sourcing is critical to identifying and executing attractive opportunities for our investors.”

Legal due diligence was carried out by Osborne Clarke, tax advisory by KPMG, and technical and ESG due diligence by Cushman & Wakefield. The seller was advised by Boodle Hatfield and Knight Frank.

BlueRock acquires fully let Berlin office asset from Schroders Capital

BlueRock Group AG has acquired an office property in Berlin from Schroder Real Estate Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH. The parties did not disclose the transaction price.

The asset, located on Storkower Straße in the Pankow district, provides approximately 16,500 sqm of lettable space. Originally built in 1965 and modernised in 1994, the building is fully leased to a German federal government agency. The lease has a remaining weighted average term of around 11 years, with an additional five-year extension option.

Ronny Pifko, CEO of BlueRock, said: “In a highly competitive market, speed and clarity are key. We moved quickly to secure this attractive, strategically well-positioned property with a stable tenant profile. At the same time, the property gives us the opportunity to deliver on our sustainability goals here. We have already planned a programme of measures, which will also improve the working environment for staff, and these will be implemented in the coming months.”

Nils Heetmeyer, Managing Director of Schroder Real Estate KVG mbH, added: “With the sale of this long-term let office property, we have delivered further value for our fund. The property stands out thanks to a stable tenant profile and attractive lease terms, which made it straightforward to sell even in a challenging market. At the same time, it was important to us to find a buyer who would develop the property responsibly over the long term. With BlueRock, we have done exactly that.”

The property is located close to the Landsberger Allee S-Bahn station, providing connections to the Berlin Ringbahn as well as the S8 and S85 lines, and is also served by bus routes 156 and 200.

Legal advice to BlueRock was provided by HEUSSEN Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, while GSK Stockmann advised the seller. Technical due diligence was carried out by MB Advisors, and the transaction was brokered by BNP Paribas Real Estate.

« Previous 1 … 34 35 36 37 38 … 495 Next »

Latest news

All posts by fletcher@cijeurope.com.