Property News

Tech company spektr creates new career opportunities in Iași by expanding the engineering hub in Palas Campus
Tech company spektr creates new career opportunities in Iași by expanding the engineering hub in Palas Campus 948 906 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

spektr, a Copenhagen-based tech company developing compliance process automation and digitization solutions for financial institutions and tech companies in 15-plus countries, is consolidating its presence in Romania by expanding its operations in Iași. Following the opening of a new office in Palas Campus, the company is launching new job opportunities and seeks to transform Iași into its main engineering hub.

The new head office in Palas Campus, developed by IULIUS Company in downtown Iași, spans an area of approximately 500 square meters and will support the Danish company’s expansion plans. spektr is developing a platform used by banks, fintech, and other companies in regulated industries for compliance process management, from customer verification and monitoring to investigations and risk management.

For spektr, the new location will play a strategic role as a product engineering hub, where the teams will work on developing the platform. The hub will accommodate the development and improvement of Big Data management systems, artificial intelligence-based solutions supporting information analysis and investigation preparation, as well as components ensuring the security, stability, and quality of the platform.

“We did not come to Iași to open a delivery type office. Our team here will develop essential components for the spektr platform, and Palas Campus provides us with the space we need in order to grow. The software engineering talent pool in Iași is world-class, and expanding our presence here is a natural step forward,” said Ciprian Florescu, spektr co-founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO).

spektr’s expansion comes amid a period of rapid growth for the company, after securing $ 20 million in Series A funding in April 2026, raising the total funding up to $ 26 million. spektr is currently working with financial institutions and tech companies in more than 15 countries. The team includes more than 70 professionals and the plan for the hub in Iași is to reach approximately 25 employees by the end of this year and around 40 employees over the next 12 months, becoming the company’s largest engineering base.

“We are delighted that spektr chose Palas Campus for the new development phase of the company. Choosing an office space for a growing team is a major decision for any company, and Palas Campus offers the necessary flexibility for organizations expanding their operations. The business infrastructure, facilities and services available here help us create an environment supporting both team performance and the everyday experience of employees,” said Ionuț Pavel, Office Buildings Manager Palas Iași.

About spektr

spektr is a company specializing in compliance technologies and developing the system that banks, fintechs and other regulated entities use to launch and expand products without losing control over the risks. The company was founded in 2023 by Mikkel Skarnager, Ciprian Florescu, Jan-Erik Aabo Wagner, and Jeremy Joly.

About Palas Campus

Palas Campus is the largest office building in Romania (54,000 sqm office space and 6,000 sqm retail space), integrating the head offices of 13 companies, as well as 5,000+ employees. Opened in 2023 by IULIUS Company and designed as a continuation of the Palas mixed-use complex located nearby, Palas Campus includes facilities and services accessible to all, such as: gym, medical centers, restaurants, coffee shops, bistro, and a supermarket.

 

VGP announces strategic land acquisition for new VGP Park Oradea, Romania
VGP announces strategic land acquisition for new VGP Park Oradea, Romania 2560 1440 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB
  • VGP acquires 294,000 m² of land for the development of VGP Park Oradea, counting 133,000 m² of lettable area
  • The park will offer space for a diverse range of logistics, light industrial, and commercial activities
  • The project aims to obtain the BREEAM Excellent standard and comply with the EU Taxonomy

VGP, a pan-European owner, manager, and developer of high-quality logistics and light industrial real estate, announces the acquisition of a 294,000 m² land plot for the development of VGP Park Oradea, a new state‑of‑the‑art logistics and industrial park in western Romania. The future park will offer an initial total lettable area of 133,000 m² and will further strengthen VGP’s footprint within a rapidly expanding regional logistics corridor.

A strategic gateway between Romania and Western Europe

Ideally positioned just outside the city of Oradea, the new park is located 3 minutes from the DEx16 expressway and 15 minutes from the Borș border crossing, the busiest point on Romania’s western border with Hungary. It also offers swift access to Oradea International Airport and Oradea Railway Station. With direct links to major European transport routes and integration into key Pan‑European corridors, Oradea has emerged as a critical logistics hub in the western region. The area benefits from a solid economic base, a strong local ecosystem, and substantial public and private investment in infrastructure and industry. The park’s strategic location ensures seamless connections for companies engaged in cross‑border distribution, manufacturing, or regional supply chain operations.

High sustainability standards and customized technical solutions

VGP Park Oradea will provide 133,000 m² of high‑quality space suitable for logistics, manufacturing, and commercial activities. The new park will be designed to meet VGP’s high standards for sustainability, technological readiness and operational efficiency, supporting a very broad type of tenants looking for future-proof industrial and logistics facilities. Leveraging its in-house technical expertise, with engineers making up more than 60% of its employees, VGP will deliver customized, technologically advanced solutions tailored to diverse tenant requirements. The project aims to achieve the BREEAM Excellent certification and align with EU Taxonomy standards. Planned sustainable features include a photovoltaic system, EV charging stations, smart metering, and initiatives that enhance site biodiversity.

Strengthening VGP’s footprint in Romania

With the addition of VGP Park Oradea, VGP continues to expand its Romanian presence to serve growing market demand driven by manufacturing growth, e‑commerce expansion and increasing regional supply‑chain diversification. VGP Park Oradea is being added to a portfolio of strategically located industrial and logistics parks in Arad, Brașov, Bucharest, Timișoara and Sibiu. Since entering Romania in 2007, VGP has acquired more than 1.7 million m² of modern industrial space, offering nearly 900,000 m² of potential lettable area and integrating advanced sustainable solutions.

Swissôtel Poiana Brașov Expands with €11 Million Investment and 50 New Rooms
Swissôtel Poiana Brașov Expands with €11 Million Investment and 50 New Rooms 1921 2560 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Real estate developer Neagoe Basarab Residence is allocating an additional €11 million budget for the second phase of the Swissôtel Poiana Brașov expansion. The initial phase of the project, completed in September 2024, represented an investment of €18.5 million.

Upon completion of the expansion, the hotel will feature a new building wing housing 50 guest rooms, an expanded spa, and a large-scale conference center. The investment aims to secure major corporate contracts, with a particular focus on pharmaceutical industry events. Currently, the hotel’s event capacity is limited to a single 60-square-meter meeting room.

Despite booking platforms reporting an approximate 20% drop in overall tourism volume across Bucharest and Brașov, Swissôtel Poiana Brașov recorded a 20% increase in occupancy during the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. The business strategy focuses on reducing reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs); direct channels and the Accor loyalty program account for 50% to 60% of bookings, while domestic Romanian tourists make up 75% to 80% of total guests.

Concurrently, the developer is finalizing construction on a second hotel in Cristian, Brașov County, and is in negotiations to affiliate the property with the Radisson Blu brand.

For the initial phase of Swissôtel Poiana Brașov, the developer partnered with an extensive team of specialists, with Cumulus Architecture serving as the general designer. Restaurant interior design was spearheaded by Cristian Corvin, while landscape architecture was delivered by Poteca Studio. Engineering and site management services were provided by Plan Expert, Metrans, and Norrma.

Construction for the new expansion phase is scheduled to begin by the end of this year, with full project completion targeted for 2028.

Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța
Europe’s largest private bioremediation project underway in Constanța 1918 1080 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

In central Constanța, on the site of the former Oil Terminal platform, real estate developer IULIUS has launched the largest bioremediation project ever undertaken by a private investor in Europe.

The soil remediation phase represents an investment exceeding €29 million. It marks the second stage—following extensive archaeological surveys—of a broader €800+ million urban regeneration initiative aimed at transforming 38 hectares of contaminated industrial land, left idle for over a decade, into a vibrant, mixed-use district.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

The site carries a heavy industrial legacy: for nearly a century, it housed an oil storage depot featuring more than 30 petroleum product tanks. Given the age of the facilities and the site’s proximity to the city center after eight decades of operation, traditional mechanical remediation was no longer viable.

The breakthrough came from Romanian scientific research. Specialists at the National Research and Development Institute for Soil Science, Agrochemistry and Environmental Protection (ICPA Bucharest) developed a proprietary formula using natural microorganisms isolated directly from the contaminated soil to biodegrade petroleum hydrocarbons. The non-genetically modified bacterial strains pose no risk to human health or the environment, leveraging an enhanced natural degradation process to significantly shorten the site’s recovery timeline.

THE THREE-STAGE BIOREMEDIATION PROCESS

The entire process is being conducted fully on-site through three distinct phases:

  • Soil Bioremediation: Excavated earth is sorted, processed, and arranged into biopiles—structured mounds mixed with compost and organic fertilizers. These are inoculated with the selected microorganisms and maintained under optimal moisture, temperature, and aeration conditions.
  • Contaminant Isolation: A high-density geomembrane lines the base of the excavation, physically preventing any horizontal or vertical migration of pollutants.
  • Groundwater Treatment: A hydrogeological barrier consisting of perimeter wells diverts contaminated groundwater to an on-site treatment facility. The purified water is then recycled for safe operational uses, such as site cleaning and green space irrigation.

INTEGRATED MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXPERTISE

The project brings together top-tier international and domestic expertise. Dr. Anca-Rovena Lăcătușu, Head of Laboratory at ICPA Bucharest, developed the bio-inoculum technology. Water treatment operations are handled by Hoelscher Wasserbau, a leading German environmental engineering firm with over 60 years of industry experience. Engineering design was overseen by Auditeco, led by Cicerone Ionescu, bringing nearly three decades of expertise in environmental compliance and remediation.

To scale the technology, IULIUS invested over €420,000 in research infrastructure:

  • ~€300,000 to equip an ICPA laboratory dedicated to microorganism cultivation.
  • ~€120,000 to establish a chemical analysis laboratory at Ovidius University in Constanța.

VISION: “CONSTANȚA 365”

Beyond environmental restoration, the ultimate goal is urban transformation. IULIUS is advancing Romania’s largest urban regeneration concept—a mixed-use master plan designed by world-renowned architecture firm Foster + Partners to establish Constanța as a year-round destination.

The development will feature cultural and educational venues, retail, office space, entertainment, sports facilities, and a central park with a botanical garden (supported by Dobrogea’s first dedicated tree nursery, where over 1,100 mature trees have already been acclimatized). The master plan also prioritizes sustainable mobility through extensive pedestrian, cycling, and road networks.

Under the tagline “Nature works. Science helps. Constanța wins,” the initiative sets a benchmark for industrial brownfield redevelopment—converting a decades-old environmental liability into a safe urban asset while paving the way for similar soil restoration projects across the region.

IULIUS and Atterbury Europe have started construction on RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the largest urban reconversion real-estate development underway in Romania
IULIUS and Atterbury Europe have started construction on RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the largest urban reconversion real-estate development underway in Romania 1000 500 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the project developed by IULIUS and Atterbury Europe, is entering the implementation phase. With an investment estimated upwards of half-billion Euro, this is the most extensive real-estate development underway in Romania. The endeavor is transforming Carbochim, the former industrial platform now relocated and upgraded, into a landmark destination with a mix of uses customized to the dynamics of Cluj-Napoca City: cultural, educational, entertainment, office, retail, park, and outdoor leisure spaces. The concept was designed together with the notorious international architecture firm UNStudio, and emphasizes sustainability, fluid integration, community and local identity – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEyhkj7fbYA&feature=youtu.be.

  • More than 550 million Euro in transforming 14 hectares of brownfield into a regional urban destination
  • Reconversion of two industrial heritage buildings and integrating them in the cultural and public circuit.
  • Largest leasable retail area – 142,000 sqm, with more than 70% thereof already pre-leased.
  • 400-plus stores, national and regional premieres, concepts highly anticipated by the community: Cineplexx (including IMAX technology and outdoor cinema), JUMBO, Hype by Kiddo entertainment concept, the largest Cărturești concept-bookstore, Auchan hypermarket, etc.
  • Cultural and entertainment hub for all ages, with regional impact.
  • The largest green syndicated loan granted to a real-estate development in Romania – 400 million Euro, conditional upon the LEED Platinum and EDGE Advanced standards.
  • Providing accessibility to the Someș riverfront, adjacent to the project, for the community, including via a green connection with the nearby parks (Feroviarilor Park and Armătura Park).
  • A new park spanning 52,000 sqm, with 700 mature trees, more than 100,000 decorative plants, green roof and green façades.
  • Implementing the mobility strategy – four lane road bridge and two pedestrian walkways across Someș, upgraded perimetral streets, etc.
  • 7 million Euro – investment in relocating and upgrading Carbochim factory.

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca entails the reconversion of an underutilized former industrial platform into an integrated mixed-use complex, open to the community and focusing on cultural, green, office, retail and entertainment uses. Designed as a socioeconomic development hub for Cluj-Napoca, the project supports key directions in the city’s urban strategy, including the consolidation of the green-blue corridor by landscaping the Someș riverfront and making it accessible.

Last year, this project was the beneficiary of the largest financing contract granted to a real-estate development in Romania, in the amount of 400 million Euro. Structured as a syndicated green loan between Erste Bank (Lead Arranger), BCR, EBRD and BRD, the financing is conditional upon the achievement and maintenance of the highest international sustainability standards (LEED Platinum and EDGE Advanced) and covers the entire investment cycle, from development and operation to refinancing. The concept for this project was developed in collaboration with the prestigious international architecture firm UNStudio and is based on in-depth market analyses and an extensive community consultation process, so it strategically caters to the public’s expectations for the mix of uses and the urban experience provided.

“RIVUS was designed as a mixed-use project, navigating around three essential directions: nature, culture, and family-oriented entertainment solutions. The project will give back to the city what has been previously a publicly inaccessible area, integrating it naturally in the urban structure and routes of Cluj City. The concept being tailored to the residents’ expectations and to the needs and development goals of the city, as well as the expertise and partnerships consolidated by IULIUS during its 25 years of business operation in the market, are the main aspects that gained the trust of our lenders and partners in this project. We are building a landmark project for the Romanian real-estate market, that draws significant interest from retailers, as evidenced by our lease occupancy ratio that is already upwards of 70%, which to us is a clear indicator of market confidence in the concept and its long-term potential. We are confident that RIVUS Cluj-Napoca will be a landmark for urban regeneration nationwide and beyond, a complex with an identity of its own, built together with and for the community, designed to be an active part of the city, and steadfastly focused on the future,” said Sorin Guttman, RIVUS project Manager.

The most extensive urban lifestyle destination in Romania

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca will be the most extensive lifestyle center in Romania and a major hub for the entertainment segment nationwide. The project will feature more than 400 stores and a total leasable retail area spanning 142,000 sqm, in a complete mix of fashion, beauty, sports, jewelry, health & wellness, services, food & beverages, home & deco, entertainment, educational and cultural uses, etc. RIVUS will bring regional and national premieres to Cluj, including the most highly anticipated brands as indicated by the market studies conducted in the region: JUMBO, the IMAX technology introduced by Cineplexx for the first time in the region, the largest Cărturești concept-bookstore, HYPE by Kiddo’s entertainment center for all ages, Auchan hypermarket. The offer will be complemented by concepts developed by local entrepreneurs, which will represent more than 20% of the mix. Furthermore, the gastronomic scene will feature approximately 30 concept-restaurants and themed coffee shops, including notorious international brands, as well as national concepts.

The cultural component marks a strategic pillar of this project, by reconverting two industrial heritage buildings and integrating them in the public circuit. The former furnace hall, namely the Arcade Hall, will be transformed into a live arts center, operated in partnership with the local cultural community, while the former red brick façade administrative building, an icon of the industrial history of the area, will continue to accommodate administrative and public service uses.

A new green urban hub, supported by efficient integrated mobility

A defining element of the project is the green component, a hallmark of IULIUS’ urban regeneration projects. RIVUS will integrate 52,000 sqm of landscaped green spaces, directly connected to Feroviarilor Park and Armătura Park, contributing toward the expansion and consolidation of the green infrastructure in the area up to a total area of 140,000 sqm. The landscaping concept integrates a roof garden and green façades, as well as the planting of more than 100,000 decorative plants and 700 mature trees, with the latter currently acclimating in a nursery accommodated by the Cluj-Napoca University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine (USAMV Cluj), so that the project offers a high level of environmental comfort from the very first day of operation.

The project will be sustainable down to the smallest details: nZEB building development, design showcasing and securing a connection with Someș River, using natural materials, maximizing natural lighting levels in indoor spaces, as well as energy efficiency, infrastructure conducive to environmentally friendly transportation, alleys that allow for water circulation, landscaping geared towards supporting biodiversity, renewable energy production, etc.

The project enjoys a strategic position, with regional accessibility and direct connectivity to the existing urban grid, and the investments undertaken by IULIUS in the agreement signed with the Municipality will substantially contribute in upgrading the mobility infrastructure in the area. The list of works thereunder features the building of a new road bridge across Someș River, including four lanes, sidewalks and bicycle lanes, two pedestrian walkways, upgrading Porțelanului Street and Câmpul Pâinii Street, the development of approximately 3,200 meters of bicycle infrastructure, as well as the fitting of up to 4,800 parking spaces (of which 900 will feature electric vehicle charging stations) and 1,600 bicycle parking spaces.

The urban regeneration process was supported by an investment upwards of 7 million Euro in the relocation and upgrading of Carbochim factory, an essential step to continuing the manufacturing activity, which is a rarity in the local real-estate industry. The factory is still operating today, retained its employees, and conducts its business in substantially improved technological and operating conditions, which further emphasizes the responsibility and sustainability of the entire undertaking.

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

FIA Imobiliar BT Property extends its footprint in the premium office segment through the aquisition of Record Park
FIA Imobiliar BT Property extends its footprint in the premium office segment through the aquisition of Record Park 1024 768 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

BT Property, an alternative real estate investment fund for professional investors, managed by INNO Investments SAI SA, a company part of Banca Transilvania Financial Group, has acquired Record Park from AYA Properties Fund (Belgium).

  • Launched in 2021, FIA Imobiliar BT Property invests primarily in real estate assets and real estate companies that generate potential returns and long-term value growth.
  • Until 2025, the fund was managed by BT Asset Management, and since October last year, the new manager is INNO Investments, which specializes in managing alternative investment funds. INNO Investments is the former OTP Asset Management Romania SAI SA, which joined Banca Transilvania Group following the acquisition of OTP Bank Romania and its subsidiaries.
  • The portfolio comprises retail, office, and medical properties with a total leasable area of approximately 43,000 sqm, including the latest acquisition. The fund manages assets amounting to approximately EUR 79 million and has generated a return of over 55% since its launch.

Record Park, an example of urban regeneration and an asset with strategic value

Record Park is a AAA-class office complex located in a premium area of Cluj-Napoca, with approximately 15,000 sqm of high-end office premises leased to international companies. The complex integrates a wide range of services and facilities—a fitness center and swimming pool, restaurant, co-working spaces, and an underground parking lot with over 200 spaces.

Developed in 2020, the project transformed a former industrial area into a contemporary mixed-use complex, maintaining maximum occupancy from the outset. Built on the principles of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) – an urban model that prioritises connectivity – and certified BREEAM Excellent, Record Park reflects high standards of sustainability and operational efficiency.

Mateusz Siejka, Chief Investment Officer, AYA Properties Fund: “We are very proud of this transaction. It is the first closing of an investment cycle within AYA and is a perfect example of how we approach real estate investments: from identifying an opportunity, acquisition and stabilization, to maturing the project and selling it to an institutional investor at a market-aligned valuation. I am grateful to our partners at INNO Investments for the constructive negotiations and for a professionally conducted transaction process. We remain active and aim to add new assets to our portfolio.”

Vlad Micu, CEO, INNO Investments: “We chose Record Park because of its strategic location, the quality of its construction, and its mix, which responds very well to the current needs of companies and the local community. Both the return offered to investors and the quality of the real estate assets in which the fund invests are important, taking into account ESG requirements. We would like to thank AYA Properties Fund team for their open and professional collaboration and for the way in which they managed and matured this asset until the transaction.”

Impact of the acquisition

  • Portfolio consolidation: Record Park increases the share of premium assets and increases the exposure of the fund and of INNO Investments in the office segment.
  • Stable income: The diversity of tenants and facilities both support the financial performance of the asset, thus generating a stable income.
  • Cluj is growing: The transaction confirms the potential of Cluj-Napoca office market and the interest of institutional investors in premium projects, which support the urban development and the visibility of the local market.

INNO Investments continues to pursue investment opportunities that capitalize on the dynamics of the Romanian real estate market.

Nhood Romania transforms abandoned or underutilized spaces into active community projects through real estate upcycling
Nhood Romania transforms abandoned or underutilized spaces into active community projects through real estate upcycling 2560 2225 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Nhood, an integrated real estate services and solutions company present in 10 European countries, including Romania, proposes an innovative solution to transform abandoned or underutilized spaces into community-relevant projects through real estate upcycling, a practical and sustainable approach to the challenges of accelerated urban development. Nhood proposes the reconversion of former industrial platforms, vacant commercial buildings, and unused land. These spaces are given a new life, becoming active community centers with housing, offices, green areas, and commercial spaces, thus revitalizing urban areas.

Nhood applies the real estate upcycling strategy in several projects within the services portfolio it manages for its clients, which, unlike recycling, offers a second life to existing spaces, leveraging on their uniqueness and history. Through this urban intervention, the company combines sustainability with respect for the history and specifics of each location, transforming non-functional buildings and areas into sustainable urban ecosystems with a real economic, social, and cultural impact on cities.

One such example is Coresi District in Brașov – the largest urban regeneration project in Romania – which Nhood manages and supports in its continuous development. Covering an area of 120 hectares, the former industrial platform has been transformed into a modern and dynamic district that integrates mixed functions – from retail and offices to residential, education, culture, and green spaces, while preserving the historical identity of the place. Within the same project, Nhood is coordinating the rehabilitation of a 3,000 sqm industrial hangar, which will become an entertainment space, retaining its original architecture and adding a new urban functionality.

At the same time, the company offers real estate upcycling solutions to several Aushopping commercial centers, proposing the remodeling of existing spaces to better meet the current needs of local communities. And in Bucharest, Nhood has proposed transforming the roof of the Drumul Taberelor shopping center – a previously unused space – into a 17,000 sqm urban garden, intended for relaxation, educational activities, and community initiatives.

“Romanian cities have a real opportunity to actively regenerate abandoned or underutilized areas without erasing their history. Real estate upcycling means exactly that: transforming spaces with an industrial or commercial past into a coherent, connected, and sustainable urban future. It is an efficient, scalable solution with proven positive impact,” stated Elena Bocan, Head of Market Nhood Romania.

These types of projects have the potential to fundamentally change the lives of local communities by attracting investments, generating jobs, stimulating cultural and social initiatives, and revitalizing areas once neglected.

The real estate upcycling process contributes to balancing urban development, bringing complementary functions to neighborhoods that need diversification and revitalization. These interventions reuse existing infrastructure and create opportunities for a more sustainable, connected, and participatory lifestyle.

In addition to ongoing projects, Nhood Romania is considering such initiatives in key cities across the country, aiming to transform commercial or industrial areas into mixed-use complexes – with complementary retail, office, residential, services, and green space functions.

“Through this campaign, we reaffirm Nhood’s mission to transform existing spaces into valuable places for the community, with respect for their history. Real estate upcycling means building the future from what we already have – with responsibility, vision, and creativity,” stated Monica Dima, Head of Brand Marketing & Communication at Nhood România.

The campaign conveys the belief that the future of real estate development lies not in demolition and reconstruction, but in the creative repurposing of what already exists. The campaign’s visual identity is created by Estonian illustrator Eiko Ojala, whose minimalist and conceptual work symbolizes transformation, depth, and the intelligent reuse of space — central themes in Nhood’s philosophy.

Through this manifesto, Nhood presents a truly innovative vision: real estate upcycling is not just a trend, but the future of cities and regions.

Romania Steps into the Spotlight at the BREEAM Awards 2025: Five Nominations and One Trophy
Romania Steps into the Spotlight at the BREEAM Awards 2025: Five Nominations and One Trophy 2560 1176 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

Romania made a strong impression at the BREEAM Awards 2025, the most prestigious international event dedicated to sustainability in the real estate sector. Organized in London by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), the awards gala brought attention to five Romanian projects and initiatives—one of which was awarded the ESG Rising Star trophy.

Adrian Pop, architect and founder of ADP, was named the winner of the ESG Rising Star category, a recognition for professionals who have made an accelerated and significant impact in promoting sustainability in real estate.

“The winner is an architect, sustainability consultant, and systems thinker whose mission has been to embed ESG principles across real estate, public architecture, and community infrastructure. He has built a company that leads by example—through rigorous technical expertise, impactful sustainability strategies, and a genuine commitment to social and environmental value.

In 2024 alone, his organisation delivered 168 BREEAM certifications, covering over 2 million square metres, across 9 countries, with zero halted assessments and an average score of 72.4%.

His vision is to make sustainability scalable, practical, and transformative—using BREEAM not only for compliance, but to shape investment strategies, community resilience, and public policy.”
— James Fisher, jury member and Head of Strategic Partnerships at BRE.

In addition to Adrian Pop’s win, Romania was represented by four other shortlistings:

  • ADP, shortlisted for Best Assessor Company
  • Adrian Pop, shortlisted for ESG Outstanding Achievement
  • YUNITY Park – Building F, shortlisted for BREEAM Lifecycle
  • Arghezi 4 Office Building, also shortlisted in the Best BREEAM In-Use | Commercial.
    Building category and awarded a Highly Commended distinction

IULIUS and Atterbury Europe secure the largest loan granted to a real-estate development in Romania – 400 million Euro for the RIVUS Cluj-Napoca mixed-use urban reconversion project
IULIUS and Atterbury Europe secure the largest loan granted to a real-estate development in Romania – 400 million Euro for the RIVUS Cluj-Napoca mixed-use urban reconversion project 1000 500 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca, the mixed-use urban reconversion project developed by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe, was granted the largest loan for a new real-estate development in Romania. The loan adds up to approximately 400 million Euro and it is in the form of syndicated financing granted four loan institutions: Erste Bank, BCR, BERD, and BRD. RIVUS restores 14 hectares of a former industrial platform back to the city, in the form of a mixed-use project with likely the widest functional diversity in Romania – retail, office, culture, entertainment, park. The project investment is estimated upwards of half-billion Euro, and it is currently in the building permitting phase.

 

RIVUS Cluj-Napoca is a project tackling the urban reconversion of a brownfield area spanning more than 14 hectares into a regional attraction, customized to the expectations and needs of the community and the city. This is a sustainable project and the concept for it was designed by the prestigious international architecture firm UNStudio, with a focus on leveraging Someș River and making it accessible to the public, and integrating the entirety of the former industrial area with the city as a pole of urban development. The largest loan granted to an industrial real estate development in Romania, adding up to 400 million Euro, was secured for this project developed by companies IULIUS and Atterbury Europe. This is a green syndicated loan, secured by meeting the LEED Platinum and EDGE Advanced sustainability standards, which cover the entire development-operation-top-up cycle. The syndicate of banks providing the financing is comprised of Erste Bank (Lead Arranger), Banca Comercială Română (BCR), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and BRD Groupe Société Générale. The financing primarily focuses on the retail component of the project, including the cultural areas and green spaces, which means a total leasable area of 132,500 sqm.

“For IULIUS, this loan continues the series of premieres in terms of financing: from the first green loan granted to a Romanian company back in 2021, to the largest real-estate refinancing loan in Romania in 2022, and now the largest development loan in the industry. To us, all these milestones certify the attractiveness and quality of IULIUS projects. We are excited that every single time we are able to attract new partners in the financing process, with EBRD now joining the group of banks with which we are collaborating. The mix of local, regional, and global banks provide the financial stability we need in order to focus on what we do best: large scale green mixed-use project, with significant investment values (usually upwards of half-billion Euro), in central locations, and contributing to the economic development of their respective local and regional communities. The trust placed in us by our clients, tenants, and banks motivate us to bring ever more daring, more complex projects on the market, with even greater positive impacts on their respective communities,” said Marius Perșenea, Chief Operating Officer IULIUS.

RIVUS – The largest lifestyle center in Romania

The functional diversity of RIVUS includes:

  • The largest retail area in Romania, spanning 142,000 sqm (integrating the 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
  • A new park and landscaped green spaces spanning more than 52,000 sqm
  • Japanese rooftop garden
  • Two industrial buildings reconverted to accommodate cultural venues, office spaces, and services
  • Live arts center– feature integrated for the first time in a real estate project based in Romania
  • First-to-region entertainment concepts for all ages
  • The latest cinema technologies for the first time in Transylvania, as well as open air cinema

Premium green office spaces – 15,000 sqm GLA

International fashion brands Lefties and Stradivarius to open in north-east Romania: the latest store concepts in Iulius Mall Suceava!
International fashion brands Lefties and Stradivarius to open in north-east Romania: the latest store concepts in Iulius Mall Suceava! 1600 723 ROMANIA PROPERTY CLUB

IULIUS Company and fashion retailer Inditex are bringing the most modern store concepts by the Lefties and Stradivarius brands for the first time in north-east Romania in Iulius Mall Suceava. Lefties is a fashion brand catering to the entire family, combining modern design with affordable prices and digital retail technologies. Stradivarius is the women’s fashion brand in the Inditex portfolio, acclaimed for its youthful and sophisticated style. The expansion of Iulius Mall Suceava, set to be completed by the middle of this year, will also include other international brands, drive thru type restaurants, coffee shops, a gym, green spaces, and additional parking spaces.

IULIUS Company is consolidating its partnership with Inditex Group, one of the world leading fashion retailers. Starting the first half of this year and for the first time in the region, Iulius Mall Suceava customers will be able to explore the most modern store concepts available around the world and the latest collections by brands Lefties and Stradivarius.

Lefties will open the latest Digital Store concept, set to integrate advanced technologies that allow for a straightforward and efficient shopping experience. The store will include smart fitting rooms, easy pay cash registers, in-store return stations, and a clothing and accessories customization area. Lefties will have a generous floor area spanning 3,000 sqm, offering timeless, sustainable and high quality essentials for the entire family. The collections for women, men, teenagers, girls, boys and babies are created considering the customers’ everyday needs, with an emphasis on versatile and easy to wear clothing at competitive prices. This will be the first Lefties store in the east of the country and the fourth in Romania.

Stradivarius is one of the Spanish concern’s most beloved brands, operating 850 stores in 64 countries. The brand exclusively addresses women and is recognized for its youthful modern style and versatile design, as well as its affordable pricing. Through every season, the brand offers collections inspired by the latest trends on international catwalks, from everyday clothing pieces to formal wear and accessories.

The two Inditex stores will open in the first half of this year, upon completion of the Iulius Mall Suceava expansion, which is set to deliver a total leasable area of 60,000 sqm. The new shopping area will integrate modern shopping and dining concepts, including department stores and fashion brands, some for the first time in the region, as well as restaurants, coffee shops, drive-thru venues, ice cream parlors, a gym, and additional parking spaces. Furthermore, new access routes will be created, connecting the mall and the additional parking spaces, and the area will benefit from landscaping features, green spaces and ambient features to improve the visitor experience.

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