„Considering the real estate market in 2013, I would say we have already overcome the most difficult period and the market is constantly growing. The main elements for a constant growth exist, the request is present, so from this perspective it is a market where we could grow and reach Skanska’s long term objectives. We think this market is big enough and that Romania fits perfectly on Skanska’s CEE map, along with Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary ”, has declared Lapinski, saying that he enters 2014 optimistically, considering this year the company will complete the first phase of the office project Green Court Bucharest, the first office building developed locally by Skanska Romania.
Moreover, the main goal of Skanska Romania in 2014 stays the development of the project in Bucharest. The works for Green Court Bucharest advance according to the schedule and the first phase will be completed in 4Q 2014. „We have promising discussions with potential tenants, and 2014 will be the year when we would like to transform the growing interest of the tenants into lease agreements”, Lapinski said.
The company’s project in Bucharest is situated in Barbu Vacarescu-Floreasca area, the most dynamic business pole of the Capital. Quite recently there were delivered in the area Sky Tower developed by Raiffeisen Evolution and Floreasca Park of Portland Trust. Also in this perimeter it is planned the development of a new office building by the businessman Ioannis Papalekas.
Even if the competition is quite high in the area, Skanska’s officials are based on the company’s reputation and expertise.
„The market is also growing with us, and this is a very good sign. The competition doesn’t scare us, it is normal for it to be present; in order for this segment to faster develop more international players are needed. Moreover, the tenants are cautious when taking decisions and they are looking to work with experienced players”, considers Lapinski, adding that „it will take some time until Romania will recover the difference compared to the Central Europe’s countries, but what we do at Skanska is to attract as many international investors, offering a very good product, where they could invest – quality office projects, sustainable and successfully rented”.
About 2013, Lapinski says the year was characterized by the market’s orientation towards sustainable constructions, and the tendency will continue this year too.
„I believe 2013 was characterized by the market’s orientation towards green and sustainable constructions, most of the building in construction or completed this year being BREEAM, LEED or DGNB certified. This is another sign that the market reached a certain level of maturity. Moreover, I consider that the green buildings request, efficient from the energy point of view, will continue in 2014 too, as the tenants stay costs-oriented and are more exigent considering the sustainability”, Lapinski added. (source: wall-street.ro)
