Briefs

"RICSes" on the increase

It all begun in 1991 with a modest circle of four and today their number has already reached 80. In January, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Polska was joined by another ten people who were handed their diplomas by Louis Armstrong, Executive Director of the London branch.
Thirty of the eighty members mentioned above earned their titles in Warsaw, having completed the RICS course run by Warsaw Technical University in collaboration with Sheffield Hallam University in London. The number of Polish 'RICSes' is likely to grow further as more courses are envisaged (to be run with Adam Polanowski's Real Estate Management College). "The sole purpose of my visit to Poland was to conduct negotiations with the College authorities and hand out the diplomas," said Louis Armstrong.
On the 10th December at the Bristol Hotel, a graduation ceremony of 15 graduates in real estate evaluation and management from Sheffield Hallam University was combined with an official presentation of RICS diplomas.

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As yet the Rics certificates acquired in Poland are not recognized by the authorities. However, according to the April 2000 Act on the status of EU qualifications for regulated occupations, this should change after Poland enters the EU.

Tishman Speyers gain more land for Kraków project

The American developer Tishman Speyer Properties has secured the last real estate it requires to go forward with its USD 750 MLN 'New City' development in Kraków. Three agreements between the company and city authorites have resulted in TSP becoming owner of 1,700 sqm of land.
The 'New City' development is a 250,000 sqm office, shopping and entertainment project near the railway station in Kraków. The initial stage of construction, to cost around USD 350 mln, will take thirty six months to complete.

First corner stone laid at Złote Tarasy

The cornerstone ceremony at the Złote Tarasy building site was held on January 16th and the President of Warsaw Mr Lech Kaczynski was among the luminaries present.
The 225,000 sqm Złote Tarasy, to be situated near Warsaw's Palace of Culture and the Central Railway Station, will include retail and entertainment facilities, restaurants, a multiplex cinema and offices. ING Real Estate and the City of Warsaw are the developers, The Jerde Partnership the architects and the general contractor Skanska. The centre is due to open in autumn 2005.

More tenants in Stary Browar

Fortis, investor of Stary Browar the Business, Retail and Art Centre in Poznań has announced the lease of around 60% of the retail part of the project. Supermarket operator Piotr i Paweł, Smyk, Zara and Esprit are among the tenants.
The 47,000 sqm centre has been divided into a retail (with 19,000 sqm), and office building (with 3,600 sqm). There will be also a 12,000 sqm car park. The general constructor is Porr Projekt und Hochbau, EC Harris the project manager and Cushman & Wakefield H&B the leasing agent.