Poland Modernisation on an XXL scale
Office & mixed-use developmentWhat are the main assets of V Tower that attract potential tenants, especially in the context of increasing competition in the Warsaw office market?
V Tower is one of the first high-rise office buildings to become a permanent feature of the city's architecture with its distinctive shape. It is currently undergoing a green transformation, becoming a modern building with minimal environmental impact. As a retrofitted building, the V Tower stands out from new developments, which often involve the demolition of existing structures. We are introducing an innovative approach to ESG. The scale of the modernisation is impressive - covering all floors and all installations: electrical, sanitary, ventilation and heating. We are replacing the lifts with state-of-the-art, fast and energy-efficient ones. We are transforming the common areas, from representative lobbies to elegant lift spaces on each floor. The parks located by the main halls are also being revitalised - new plantings, ponds and small architecture will appear. V Tower is becoming not only a greener, but also a more functional place, open to all residents of the Wola district. The modernisation opens the building up to the city. Tenants also appreciate the flexibility of the available space. The podium of the building offers exceptionally spacious areas that are easy to arrange, regardless of the size of the team. The tower section, on the other hand, is a proposal for companies looking for prestige and privacy, with the possibility to lease entire floors of 800 sqm.
What changes in tenant preferences were taken into account when preparing the V Tower modernisation project?
Ecology has become a key element. We are committed to creating a building with minimal environmental impact, equipped with the latest green technologies. We also took into account modern trends of hybrid and remote working. In the common areas, in the lobby, we have designed coworking areas for the needs of tenants, but also for outsiders. The lobby space will become the agora of V Tower and will have a community-integrating function. We plan to organise many interesting events there, concerts, exhibitions and fashion shows.
V Tower tenants will also be able to use a state-of-the-art app, providing easy access to a parking reservation system and daily management of office spaces. We also take care of sanitary and health and safety aspects. We have designed the installations according to post-pandemic standards, limiting physical contact and ensuring efficient air exchange. For cyclists, we have prepared bicycle parking, modern changing rooms and facilities to support sustainable transport. The building will also feature a wide range of retail and services available to both tenants and visitors. All parking spaces located in the outdoor car parks, will be redesigned to offer charging facilities for electric cars.
In your opinion, will the hybrid working model stay with us for longer, or will employees return to the offices?
The hybrid model will certainly stay with us for longer as more and more employees expect it. Employers cannot ignore this trend, especially in a low unemployment situation. Many people are changing jobs if they cannot take advantage of flexible work arrangements. Nevertheless, offices will continue to play an important role. They foster creativity, enhance team integration and allow direct social interaction. In the long term, this benefits the performance of companies. I predict that demand for high-quality office space in top locations will increase, not least because of the shrinking available space.
Does the modernisation of V Tower take into account changes in the spatial layout of the building?
There are many changes, although at the same time we have tried to preserve the original character of the building. The V Tower is an architectural gem whose spacious lobby and high-quality materials are rarely seen today. Our aim was to highlight these assets. We are creating new reception areas and designing an atmospheric café with access to green parks and a table area ideal for working. We are introducing modern building automation solutions and the area around the building is getting new planting and refreshed paving.
Does Cornerstone Investment Management plan to integrate the V Tower into its surroundings to create a space that not only meets the needs of tenants, but also influences the development of the area?
Opening up the building to the city is one of the most important objectives of the modernisation. No other office building in Warsaw has such spacious green parks surrounding the entrance to the building. It is 2,000 sqm of greenery that has been creating a friendly space in the city centre for years. We want this space to be accessible not only to tenants, but also to neighbours and visitors. The green parks will feature a café, relaxation zones and services accessible to all. We have more than 600 parking spaces, more than 500 of which are in the underground garage. Some of these will be made commercially available, responding to the needs of the neighbourhood. Thanks to a thoughtful modernisation, we offer not only exceptional office spaces, but also functionalities that integrate the building into the surroundings and give a new dynamic to this part of the city.
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