Property News

VAT Romania breaks ground on the future factory for its operation in VGP Park Arad
VAT Romania breaks ground on the future factory for its operation in VGP Park Arad 1280 854 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

On September 17, 2024, VAT Romania broke ground for its new factory located in VGP Park Arad, a strategic logistics hub adjacent to the A1 motorway and key European routes. VGP Park Arad stands out with its modern infrastructure and green energy options, providing a significant logistical advantage for efficient manufacturing and distribution operations.

The new location is designed to accommodate the mid-term growth projections and meets the increasing demand and technical complexity of the product portfolio. The manufacturing facilities, offices and an employee canteen will be united under one roof of more than 21,000 sqm. The building will be certified following the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) sustainability standards for green buildings and will aim for the Excellent level of certification. The new facility will be fully operational by early 2026 with an expected move-in date in the second quarter of 2025 – ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to the ongoing operations.

VAT, the globally leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance vacuum valves, multi-valve units, and vacuum modules, is leasing the hall to support their global strategy, creating also numerous job opportunities in technical fields.

The investment in the growth of VAT Romania will create many job opportunities in areas with highly technical competencies such as mechanical engineering, automation, CNC turning and milling, as well as support functions. The plant will also host engineering, IT and other functions that go beyond the ‘pure’ manufacturing scope, and which support the build-up of further competencies required for a lead factory.

7 Things to Consider for the Structural Safety of Your Asset
7 Things to Consider for the Structural Safety of Your Asset 2560 1707 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

A guide compiled by Mariana Garstea, General Director Sixense Romania

When developing a new building in an urban environment with neighboring structures in the influence area, it is essential to consider several important aspects related to geotechnical and structural monitoring.

These considerations are not only legal obligations, but also to make sure that the development of your project does not encounter blockages from the owners of the neighboring buildings and the control bodies, and most importantly, that your building is safe and durable. Here is a brief guide to keep in mind.

Risk Assessment

It is necessary to first identify the risks your asset is exposed to. Each building has a series of specific risks, which are crucial to understand. We are talking about risks associated with the location, including ground stability, groundwater levels, and the impact on adjacent constructions. Therefore, it is also important to understand how construction activities might affect neighboring buildings, including potential settlement or vibration-induced damage.

Based on the identification and definition of these risks, a geotechnical and structural monitoring program is then developed, tailored to the actual on-site conditions.

Creating a Geotechnical and Structural Monitoring Program

Next, a customized monitoring plan needs to be developed. This plan should address specific, well-defined questions and objectives and include appropriate tools to provide accurate information.

It is important not to copy or use monitoring programs from other projects without a detailed analysis of the on-site situation.

Contracting Geotechnical and Structural Monitoring Services

Seek to collaborate with a dedicated, specialized, and professional partner who truly knows what they are doing. It is important to look at their reputation, portfolio, demonstrated expertise, and supporting evidence. For example, certifications such as the laboratory authorization for testing and analysis in construction, ISO or compliance with quality standards should not be overlooked.

Geotechnical and structural monitoring is not a process to be left to just anyone: it’s not about „just putting a sensor here” or „selling another piece of equipment”. This mindset will not provide any real benefit or value to your construction project. Given that this is a long-term service, it is crucial to choose carefully and with full knowledge.

Using Modern Technologies

Like any other field, geotechnical and structural monitoring has evolved significantly. Today, there is a vast array of technology and digital tools that make monitoring easier, more efficient, and more precise, providing truly high-quality and accurate data.

Do not shy away from using technology. Monitoring today employs sensors for deformation, pressure, or vibration to manually or real-time monitor the behavior of a construction. The data obtained is highly precise and can help you identify problems before they become critical or incur high costs.

Explore automation and AI for predictive analytics and automated alerts. AI can help in identifying patterns and predicting potential structural issues before they escalate. Remember: this is not science fiction, it is the level of development and evolution of the industry today.

Compliance with Current Regulations

Romania has a well-documented legislation on geotechnical and structural monitoring or on tracking the behavior of buildings over time, P130/99 and NP 074/2022 being the most relevant. Information is readily available, so the old excuse of „I didn’t know” cannot protect us from responsibility in the event of an incident or accident due to structural issues.

Monitoring activities should comply with current legislation (which clearly specifies things such as frequency, responsible parties, project stages to consider etc.) to ensure compliance.

Periodic Reporting and Communication

The reporting system is also extremely important. Especially since decisions are based on information and data received from monitoring, it is crucial to ensure that reports are not received „yesterday” when they are needed now. Additionally, the data must be interpreted to turn it into actionable information and accompanied by recommendations for interventions and concrete measures if necessary.

Maintenance of Equipment

Geotechnical and structural monitoring activities also involve regular maintenance of equipment. For data accuracy, optimal functioning and correct instrumentation are required. Ongoing support and maintenance are something any monitoring partner should ensure right from the start.

Behind geotechnical and structural monitoring activities, there are several important factors to consider. All the criteria above must be integrated and ensured for a developer or investor to have a structurally healthy project.

IULIUS announces the name of the urban conversion and regeneration project in Cluj-Napoca: RIVUS
IULIUS announces the name of the urban conversion and regeneration project in Cluj-Napoca: RIVUS 1600 800 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

The latest urban regeneration and reconversion project proposed by IULIUS Group in Cluj-Napoca, the urban zoning plan of which was recently approved by the Local Council, will be named RIVUS. The Latin-origin word means ‘river’ and highlights a key-component of the project, namely its proximity to Somes River.

The investment estimated upwards of half-billion Euro made by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe will materialize in the mixed-use project with likely the widest diversity of uses in Romania – retail, office, culture, entertainment and park – with a total leasable area of 165,000 sqm.

Discover the largest urban reconversion project in Romania at www.rivus.ro and on its social media platforms at www.instagram.com/rivuscluj_, and www.facebook.com/rivuscluj.

The concept for the RIVUS project was signed by the architects at UNStudio, a world-renowned Dutch architecture firm, drawing inspiration from the expectations of the community. Thus, RIVUS will integrate the following:

  • The largest retail area in Romania, spanning 145,000 sqm (integrating the 120,000 sqm shopping mall, as well as the complementary retail facilities) in a mixed-use concept that enhances the shopping experience with public and leisure services and facilities.
  • More than 400 stores, including regional and national premieres
  • 30+ new concept-restaurants and coffee shops overlooking Someș River
  • Fresh Market for local producers
  • A new park and landscaped green spaces spanning more than 52,000 sqm
  • Japanese rooftop garden
  • Two industrial buildings reconverted into cultural venues and office spaces
  • Live arts center and auditorium
  • First-to-region entertainment concepts for all ages
  • The latest cinema technologies for the first time in Transylvania, as well as open air cinema
  • 15,000 sqm GLA premium green office facilities
  • Investments in connectivity and alternative mobility

“Our proposal for the former Carbochim platform has a strong natural component, which consists in developing the Somes riverbanks, completing the green-blue corridor in the north side of the city, and creating a spectacular urban garden from scratch, which will cover a third of the total area of the project,” said Sorin Guttman, Manager of RIVUS.

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the first project implemented by UNStudio in Romania

The project brings for the first time in Romania the renowned Dutch architects from UNStudio, who have in their portfolio flagship projects around the world, such as the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, The Lyric Theatre Complex in Hong Kong, the Doha metro or the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

“I am so proud that we have the opportunity to create our first project in Romania right here, in Cluj. It is really exciting to see that we can connect this old industrial area to the more recent Armătura Park. We also want to bring the people on the Carbochim site back to the water, to continue the green belt along the river,” said Arjan Dingsté, Director and Senior Architect at UNStudio.

The largest entertainment & shopping destination in Romania: cultural and leisure concepts, and first-to-market brands

For the first time in Romania, the project is bringing in the famous Dutch architects at UNStudio, whose portfolio includes iconic projects all over the world, such as the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the Lyric Theatre Complex in Hong Kong, the Doha Metro, or the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam.

RIVUS is set to be the largest lifestyle center in Romania and a hub of the entertainment segment in the country. RIVUS Mall will accommodate long-anticipated international brands, flagship stores of major retailers in segments such as home&deco, health&sports, fashion and entertainment, as well as concepts by local producers and entrepreneurs. A space where every member of the local community belongs, with family-friendly uses, and a go-to destination for fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment, set to include 400+ stores.

RIVUS proposes first-to-market leisure solutions by means of the first auditorium integrated in a shopping center and a live arts center (RIVUS Live Arts) managed in partnership with the cultural community of Cluj, set to operate in the former arcade hall of Carbochim. Besides this, the red brick administrative building will also be preserved from the former industrial site, transforming it into RIVUS Hub, a venue combining office spaces and services.

The focus on families will be reflected in the fitting out of playground areas, first-to-market entertainment concepts, new cinema technologies and open air cinema, educational concepts, sport and wellness facilities, as well as a multidisciplinary medical hub.

The project includes a Fresh Market concept and 30 concept locations, themed restaurants, and cafes with terraces located in the newly landscaped garden from scratch.

The development proposes office facilities of approx. 15,000 sqm GLA.

RIVUS Garden helps create a 14 hectares green connection in the north of Cluj

RIVUS Garden will be the green anchor of the project, in the form of a 52,000 sqm park in the heart of the city, designed by foreign and local landscape architects, and adding to the already upgraded Armătura Park and Feroviarilor Park located nearby. Together they will delineate Someș River with approximately 14 hectares of landscaped green spaces, as well as promenade and leisure infrastructure.

As with its other similar projects developed in Iași and Timișoara, IULIUS is focused on the solid connectivity with the city, and has thus undertaken consistent infrastructure investments under an agreement with the Municipality. These will include the creation of a new road bridge across Someș River, two pedestrian bridges, traffic coordination solutions, upgrading some nearby streets, as well as fitting out bicycle infrastructure, in line with the authorities’ mobility strategy. The project will also include approx. 4,800 underground and aboveground parking spaces, 900 of which will be fitted with EV charging connectors, as well as 2,500 bicycle parking spaces.

The investment will be made by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe. The project is currently in the building permitting phase. The first phase of the works, namely the dismantling of the former industrial facilities, is nearing completion, as this endeavor is independent of the approval and permitting process for the new project.

Decathlon brings to Coresi Brasov a new concept store
Decathlon brings to Coresi Brasov a new concept store 2048 1536 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Decathlon, the most important European sports retailer, announces the reopening of the Brasov store in a new location on Coresi platform near Coresi Shopping Resort. The store was built and will be managed through real estate provider Nhood Services Romania. This move marks a major transformation, the Decathlon store Brasov being the first of the 31 stores in Romania to adopt the latest concept, launched globally by Decathlon in March 2024.

This transformation aligns the store in Brasov with the first stores around the world such as those in Paris, London, and Brussels, which have already implemented the new identity, offering customers an immersive shopping experience, regardless of the level of sports practice. The new store configuration includes a circular table plan, the first of its kind in Decathlon Romania, ensuring intuitive navigation and enhanced product visibility in over 80 sports.

In the showrooms will be exhibited products to create an interactive experience. Points such as reception, click and collect, workshop, and sample cabins are highlighted in blue, ensuring easy and fast orientation.

“We are always concerned about how our customers interact with Decathlon stores. In Brasov, we have operated in the same location since 2010, and the number of those interested in our products has steadily increased. To provide them with a more appropriate space and implement the new design, we have expanded the store area, adapting it to the needs of our customers. Customer interaction is now going beyond the product, and we have rethought our processes, products and materials more sustainably”, said Alex Domsa, director of expansion Decathlon Romania.

“We are happy for the partnership developed with Decathlon. The new store, built on an area of 4,200 sqm, in the proximity of Coresi Shopping Resort, extends the shopping experience and meets the expectations of the visitors and the community of Cartier Coresi. Nhood continues to develop the Coresi Quarter and the commercial area by enriching the mix of offers with new brands” , says Ruxandra Dragomir, Head of Development Nhood Romania.

„The opening of the shop in Brasov with the new design brings a more dynamic and interactive shopping experience. We are pleased to provide our customers with a modern and well-organized space that better meets their needs and expectations. We believe this new format will transform the way customers discover and use our products”, said Daniel Berechet, director of Decathlon Brasov.

The double success of the “One Day Trip” project confirms the dedicated and creative work of the team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving excellence in architecture and design.

Decathlon launched in March this year its new brand identity, future-oriented, and new logo, which resembles an orbit. The new brand identity reflects ambition and at the same time celebrates its past. Next to a dynamic blue, it now features a new brand icon – „orbita” – that expresses movement, ambition to reach new heights and circularity, he said, at the heart of Decathlon’s sustainable business model.

“One Day Trip”, a project by Medaru Architects, is the winner of two prestigious awards
“One Day Trip”, a project by Medaru Architects, is the winner of two prestigious awards 1600 1066 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Medaru Architects (Local Architects) and IA Interior Architects (Lead Designers) project, “One Day Trip”, was awarded on June 27, 2024, with the following awards:

  • Award for office space design category at RAM 24 Transversal, Regional Awards Competition for the Region of Moldova, organized by OAR Iasi and Share Architects. This prestigious competition includes projects from six counties (Iasi, Suceava, Bacau, Botosani, Neamt, Vaslui) and the Republic of Moldova, which are essential regional competitions. The distinction underlines the value of the project and its significant regional impact;
  • The Impact Positive Project of the Year Award at the Mix Interiors Awards – London. This international distinction underlines the positive contribution and innovation brought by the project to the field of interior design. The award recognizes the project’s contribution to improving the working environment and creating a positive impact in the community.

The project’s core concept revolved around the idea of “Exploring Iasi in a Day.” Its design seamlessly merged fundamental principles of the company with local values, prioritizing user comfort and well-being.

Each block of the building represents three distinct layers of Iaşi: the Old Town, the Industrial District, and the University District, while the theme of the city’s seven hills frames the central area, highlighting its geographical charm. This approach resulted in a campus that mirrors the diversity and liveliness of the city it inhabits.

Key achievements in the design strategy included incorporating sustainability, flexibility, and interactive elements, fostering a culture where individuals are motivated to engage and collaborate, whether during work hours or breaks.

The double success of the “One Day Trip” project confirms the dedicated and creative work of the team, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving excellence in architecture and design.

Medaru Architects is an architecture office with extensive experience in designing and arranging office spaces, recognized for the innovation and positive impact brought by its projects. Through close collaboration with international partners, they offer the best design solutions to their customers.

Axxis Nova Resort & Spa, first integrated concept on Romanian seaside
Axxis Nova Resort & Spa, first integrated concept on Romanian seaside 1600 900 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Located on the Black Sea frontline, in Mamaia Nord, Axxis Nova Resort & Spa represents the first integrated concept on Romanian seaside combining residential and tourism with retail amenities and a Blue Flag beach.

Through the high-end facilities and services, the project is set to become a landmark on the Romanian seaside. “What we wish is to offer Romanians an option for a comfortable holiday, with valid leisure options and high-quality services on the shore of Black Sea, without traveling abroad”, 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑛 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑎, 𝑜𝑤𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑟𝑢𝑝 𝑃𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑛, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑥𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝑁𝑜𝑣𝑎 𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑡 & 𝑆𝑝𝑎.

AT A GLANCE, AXXIS NOVA RESORT & SPA
  • Mix of apartments – studios, 1- & 2-bedroom units and penthouses;
  • Hotel services – 5*, SPA, indoor & outdoor heated pools, fitness center, conference center, gym, restaurants, coffee shops, indoor playground, nonstop casino;
  • Facilities & amenities -Blue Flag beach, exotic gardens, patios, promenade area, sports fields, bars, art gallery, library, pet hotel with dedicated parc, belvedere tower, working hub;
  • Development phases – six residential buildings and one 5* hotel, with a gross development value of 300 million EUR. The first phase – Madrid building is to be finalized by the end of 2024, while the Axxis Beach is already functional;
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
  • Developer – Grup Petrol Marin;
  • Architect – Proiect Unique Invest;
  • General contractor – Maritimo Development;
  • Financing bank – Garanti Bank.

1,000 hotel rooms internationally affiliated to launch between 2024-2028
1,000 hotel rooms internationally affiliated to launch between 2024-2028 2560 1919 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Constanta, one of Romania’s main touristic destinations, continues to attract the interest of hotel investors and operators, but still flies under the radar, as compared with other regions.

Based on the supply of hotel rooms, Constanta city (including Mamaia) can attract demand for medium quality hotels and services. This trend is about to change in the next 3-4 years due to economic shifts in the area (NATO military base and Schengen space for Constanta port). The new highway (Constanta – Olimp) connecting with the southern part of the seaside is also expected to bring new opportunities for tourism developments.

CONCLUSIONS FROM EST HOSPITALITY
  • 69% of total number of rooms are ranked to 1*, 2* and 3*;
  • only 300 rooms are ranked to a hotel operator (ie Ramada and Continental Hotels) which represent less than 3% from total number of rooms;
  • increase in the number of arrivals +3.4% and overnights +6% in hotels for 2023 as compared with 2022;
  • major decrease compared to 2022 for arrivals -9.90% and overnights – 7.9% in apartments for rent because of offer excess;
  • new international brands such as Crowne Plaza & Radisson enter Constanta market;
  • 1,000 hotel rooms internationally affiliated are under development in five hotels.

“With the inauguration of the new hotels, in the following four years the number of rooms will increase by 8.3% Major hotels operators will also enter the market giving a vote of confidence for the Romanian seaside.” 

Increased traffic accelerates investments at Constanta Port
Increased traffic accelerates investments at Constanta Port 1657 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

The historically high traffic posted in 2023 – over 90 million tons of cargo – provided further incentive to central authorities to upgrade existing facilities.

The main goods shipped through Constanta are cereals (38% of the traffic), seeds, iron minerals, steel cast, oil products, and fertilizers.

Most recently, the Ministry of Transportation announced massive 1 billion EUR investments for Constanta Sud, meant to upgrade Wharfs III S and IV S and add 17 new deep-sea berths, 155 ha of operating area, and 36 ha of logistics platforms.

Infrastructure investments for the port sum up to 1.5 billion EUR. The “Administration of the Sea Ports” National Company recently organized a 108 million EUR bid to upgrade the road access points to the port. Furthermore, there is a schedule to upgrade rail infrastructure and deploy new trains. For financing, the Government is reaching out to both internal and EU funding and pursues PPPs with Middle Eastern and South Korean investors, to enhance global trade partnerships and unlock new commerce routes.

GREEN PORT MASTER PLAN & QATAR ON THE AGENDA

Authorities of Constanta Port announced they are working on the “Green Port Master Plan”, taking in consideration the requirements of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and FuelEU maritime regulation, proposed by the European Commission.

The PIONEERS project, which takes place over five years (2021-2026), has received funding under the HORIZON 2020 program, the Green Ports as Multimodal Hubs for Sustainable and Smart Mobility axis, which aims to support ports to meet the European Commission’s requirements on transition to climate neutrality by 2050.

Romania’s PM, Marcel Ciolacu met in April 2024 his Quatar counterpart, Seik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Romanian official declaring a target for Romania to become Quatar investments bridge towards European Union, with projects worth of 15 billion EUR under analysis.

2023 – ANOTHER HISTORICAL YEAR FOR CONSTANTA PORT

After the 12% increase in 2022 over 2021, 2023 brought another record high for the annual traffic, reaching 92,5 million tons, a 22.5% increase over 2022.

Maritime traffic increased by 18% YOY, up to 71 million tons, and river traffic increased by 40% compared to the previous year, reaching 22 million tons.

Cereals remained at the top of traffic increases, with more than 50%, surpassing 36 million tons in 2023, compared to 2022 when 24 million tons were recorded.

Regarding Ukraine, the total traffic of goods was 25 million tons in 2023. Ukrainian grains that transited the port of Constanta represented more than 14 million tons.

One United Properties invests in second phase of Mamaia project
One United Properties invests in second phase of Mamaia project 2560 1602 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Following the success of the first phase of the complex, One United Properties has obtained the construction permit for Phase 2 of the One Mamaia Nord complex, with a total built area of approximately 17,000 square meters, currently under development.

One Mamaia Nord currently consists of two residential buildings bordering the Black Sea beach: Phase 1 completed in 2022 and Phase 2 under development, with estimated delivery for Q2 2025.

Both buildings are constructed according to similar criteria and share an architectural unity, with dual orientation: the main one facing the sea and the subordinate one facing the access and the lake.

The apartments have frontal or lateral sea views and a free height in rooms of about three meters, premium finishes, natural stone, and glass closures on the terraces, with permanent security and video surveillance.

This development benefits from an elegant contemporary design, with high-quality finishes and all the advantages of green buildings, such as: durable materials, energy efficiency, low-pollution installation systems, excellent indoor environmental quality.

Iulius adds Constanta on investment map
Iulius adds Constanta on investment map 1024 1033 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Following major regeneration projects in Iasi, Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca, real estate investor Iulius works on a complex development in Constanta. The project is based on a partnership between the investor and Oil Terminal on a 38-hectare plot of land centrally located, close to the port and train station.

The land used to house storage areas for petroleum products and remained unused for the past 10 years, because the previous activity impacted the quality of life in the nearby residential areas. Iulius has taken on the greening process, one considered essential and obviously beneficial for the entire community.

The main construction activity in the sector was driven by local companies, which opened or extended a series of production facilities (in consumer goods, construction) and DP World. The newly delivered RO-RO facility integrated with a logistics hub in Aiud to facilitate transportation for Romanian exporters producing in the West side of the country and the new warehousing capacity were the main developments in the county in terms of industrial and logistics. The construction of a logistics platform of 110,000 sqm was also started, an investment of 50 million Euro, which will be completed next year. “Romania is a dynamic economy and well positioned to benefit from the growth of the nearshoring sector and production,” said Rashid Abdulla, CEO and Managing Director, DP World Europe at a recent company event.

“The project in Constanța is the most ambitious undertaking of Iulius so far, the target being to offer the local community a useful project, accessible to all. The project will have multiple functions, with the potential to become a regional business hub, but also a destination for all categories of the public, for the entire year”, said Raluca Munteanu, Development Director, Iulius.

The city attracted the attention of the investor due to the excellent and unique connectivity: by sea, land and air. The concept which combines numerous and varied functions within the same project will offer multiple perspectives to the inhabitants of Constanța, but also to tourists or the business environment, who will have a new interest area in the city.

© Romania Property Club, 2024 — All rights reserved.

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