Von der Heyden Group to develop Gdańsk hotel

Von der Heyden Group plans on renovating three historical semi-detached tenement houses located at the heart of Gdańsk in order to convert them into the IBB Blue Hotel.

Located at the corner of the historical Long Market (Długi Targ) and ul. Mieszczańska, the buildings will be transformed into a three-star hotel with 88 rooms spread across four floors. The hotel will also offer 1,000 sqm of retail and services space earmarked either for lease or for the hotel’s own use, for instance for a restaurant or a beauty clinic. The project is estimated at EUR 11 mln. The start of the refurbishment work is planned for September 2015, with the completion scheduled for spring 2017. Although Von der Heyden Group bought the property from Millenium Bank in 2006, the development process was delayed due to the economic crisis and the company’s commitment to other projects. The design work is now nearing completion, while technical documentation is being prepared for a tender procedure for the general contractor. The closing of the tender is planned for this summer. Local architect Michał Skwarło and interior designer Tomasz Wojtkowiak are responsible for creating the project’s architectural design. “The delays we experienced were really not a problem as we own three properties in a marvelous location and since the location is great, timeline is not that important. We are enthusiastic about the ‘Długi Targ’ project, as we call it, and remain convinced that the new hotel will be a financial success,” said Sven von der Heyden, the chairman of the Von der Heyden Group.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

PHN buys 14,000 sqm ABC building in Poznań

Polski Holding Nieruchomości (PHN) has completed the acquisition of the Andersia Business Centre (ABC) office building in Poznań from Von der Heyden Group.

‘The transaction involves acquiring 100 pct of the shares held by Andersia Business Centre [one of twelve of Von der Heyden Group’s special purpose companies], the building’s owner. We have also taken over a loan taken out with Bank Zachodni WBK. The transaction forms one element of PHN’s strategy aimed at increasing its assets in terms of modern leasable space,’ revealed Włodzimierz Stasiak, a member of the management board of Polski Holding Nieruchomości. The specific details of the transaction have yet to be disclosed. ‘We have come a long way to close this transaction, since a letter of intent was signed half a year ago,’ explains Sven von der Heyden, the chairman of the Von der Heyden Group. Andersia Business Centre is a five-floor building comprising 14,000 sqm of leasable space and a two-level underground car park with 140 parking spaces. It was completed in 2012. In March 2015 the ABC obtained a LEED ‘Gold’ certificate. ‘We are pleased to have found in PHN a stable, reputable and experienced real estate investor to be the new owner and wish them good luck with the third phase of the complex,’ added Mr Von der Heyden.

Andersia Business Centre, located on ul. Królowej Jadwigi in the vicinity of the city’s Market Square and Stary Browar, is a joint venture between Von der Heyden Group and the city of Poznań. It constitutes the third phase of Anders Square Development developed by Von der Heyden Group in 2012. The five-storey above-ground ABC building comprises app. 14,000 sqm of usable space and two underground levels with 144 parking places. The ABC building was designed by the Architectural Studio of Ewa and Stanislaw Sipińscy, who also designed the previous two phases. The project management has been entrusted to Probuild. Porr acted as the general contractor and Knight Frank as financial advisor and broker. PHN was advised by Jones Lang LaSalle and Greenberg Traurig Grzesiak. VDHG was advised by the Piszcz, Norek i Wspólnicy law firm.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

Długi Targ under construction

Von der Heyden Group has finally started the construction of the Długi Targ hotel project in Gdańsk.

The Długi Targ project was acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a tender held by Millenium Bank some years ago and is located in the most attractive part in Gdańsk, at the corner of historic Długi Targ boulevard and ul. Mieszczańska, almost opposite the Neptune statute and the Dwór Artusa building. The tender to choose a general contractor was won by locally based company Allcon. Allcon Budownictwo specialises in general contracting under design-and-build type contracts and turn-key projects. Architectonica Michał Skwarło, a local studio has been chosen for the architectual design of the Długi Targ project and the interior design is made by Toya Design from Poznań. The project manger is Probuild. “Our timing at the acquisition was not ideal, just before the financial crisis broke in 2007/2008. We have taken advantage of the delays this imposed and optimised the design, increased the number of rooms and found a strong banking partner in Alior Bank,” said Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s chairman, on the signing the agreement. The hotel will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection.

The estimated development budget for the project is EUR 11 mln. The project is based on the refurbishment and conversion of three historic semi-detached town houses into a 90-room hotel with a total area of app. 4,500 sqm. “The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a five-star boutique hotel. However, due to the changing market environment, the initial idea was adapted and a three-star hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor,” the developer explains. The characteristics of the external façade will be carefully preserved, while the interiors will feature modern innovations. The building will have five above-ground storeys. On July 1st, 2016 the cornerstone ceremony will take place. “Długi Targ will be the first development project of Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk and the group is actively observing the local market for further opportunities,” the company has stated.

In Poland, IBBHC operates two four star hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

Ground broken for Długi Targ

The ground breaking ceremony for the IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk has taken place in the presence of Gdańsk mayor Paweł Adamowicz.

IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk is being constructed at ul. Długi Targ 14–16. Investment costs are estimated at EUR 11 mln for the project. The hotel will be ready in the late summer 2017. The developer and investor behind the project is the Długi Targ company owned by the Von der Heyden Group and Adam Trybusz. Probuild is the project manager, while the general contractor is Allcon Budownictwo. Biuro Projektów Architectonica is responsible for the architectural design and Poznań studio Toya Design for the interior design. Alior Bank is providing finance for the project. IBB Hotel Collection will be the hotel operator.

The Długi Targ development project involves the refurbishment and conversion of three historic semi-detached townhouses into a 90-room hotel with a total area of app. 4,500 sqm. The buildings were acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a tender organized by Bank Millennium some years back and are located in the city’s Old Town, almost directly opposite the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

Von der Heyden Group’s initial concept was to create a five-star boutique hotel; however, due to the changing market environment, the concept has been adapted to a three-star hotel will be developed with retail space on the ground floor. Characteristic elements of the external façade will be preserved, however the interiors will be modernised.

Długi Targ is the first development project by Von der Heyden Group in Gdańsk – a market the company is actively monitoring for further opportunities.

IBBHC operates two four star hotels in Poland: the IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and the IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań.

Source: Eurobuild CEE

VDHG trades Bonds on the Malta Stock Exchange

Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. announced the successful public offering, placement and listing of our € 25 million 4.4% unsecured bonds 2024 issued by Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. guaranteed by TIMAN Investments Holdings Ltd.

The Bond is approved by the Listing Authority and trading on the Official List of the Malta Stock Exchange commenced on March 20, 2017.

Malta Stock Exchange CEO Simon Zammit welcomed the company to the fold and congratulated its Chairman Mr Sven von der Heyden and its Executive Director, Mr Robert Rottinghuis as well as Nick Calamatta of Calamatta Cuschieri on the achievement.

The Von der Heyden Group Chairman, Sven von der Heyden, said: ‘The placement and listing of a corporate bond issued by our fully owned subsidiary is a milestone for the Von der Heyden Group. We feel obliged and honoured at the same time to have more than 1.300 Bondholders and look with great expectations into the future. This placement will enhance our capability to reach our ambitious goals for the years to come.’

Von der Heyden Group Finance p.l.c. forms part of Von der Heyden Group (VDHG) which is a high quality niche player on the European Real Estate Market and has been successfully developing Class A Office buildings and Hotels in always top central and strategic locations in Germany, Poland and Spain. The Group is commonly known for its high-end finishes and quality, and at all times achieved record prices for its award winning projects, when sold.

With over 25 years sound experience and continuing presence on European markets, VDHG enjoys the trust of international financial institutions, funds and big market players, as well as embassies, governmental institutions and cities. Since 1989, a volume of investment of around Euro 350 million has been achieved in Poland, Germany and Spain. There are plans to invest further 175 million during the next 3 years, including equity and debt. New country of investment includes Malta.

Source: The Malta Independent

Maltese company invests €154 million in Munich development project

The Valletta-based Von der Heyden Group is investing €154 million in the Bavaria Towers, a €380 million development consisting of three office towers and a hotel tower that will redefine the skyline of Munich.  Described as one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of this German city, the building will make an impressive visual statement on the main access to Munich’s eastern district of Bogenhausen. The building shells for all four towers will be finished before the end of the year, while completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.

The Von der Heyden Group also owns the IBB Hotel Collection which operates hotels in Spain, Malta, Germany and Poland. Last April, IBB announced the restoration and renovation of Senglea’s iconic Maċina Bastion to become the first exclusive Cugó Gran hotel in Malta, opening in mid-summer 2017.  IBB Pjazza Merkanti in Valletta will be their second hotel in Malta when it opens its doors in January 2018. Last week, the hotel chain opened its 11th and 12th IBB Hotels in  Ingelheim and Paderborn respectively.

The Munich project consists of three office towers with a total floor space of 62,000 sqm of tenanted areas and a hotel tower leased by H-Hotels‘ new premium brand Hyperion to open in October 2018. The hotel occupies the 54 metre high White Tower, of which 14 of its 15 floors are already completed, and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travellers as it benefits from its direct proximity to the Munich exhibition centre. Services geared towards business travellers, such as valet parking, business lounges featuring dedicated check-in and concierge services are among the many highlights offered by this new hotel with its 345 guest rooms.

The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlight also includes office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. Two underground car parks offer 960 car spaces. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications. The project is the brainchild of development company Bayern Projekt GmbH, who have teamed up with the investment partners Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Group Germany to bring this exciting new development to life.

Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group, said: “The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The Bavaria Towers will be making an important contribution to contemporary urban planning as they create an architectural highlight that will make the residents of Munich proud of their city and at the same time will make the quality and standards of tomorrow available to be enjoyed by its occupiers today.”

The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the centre of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The highlight of the festive event, attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid, the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, and over 200 guests, was ‘the landing of a Martian’, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins that were immured into the foundation stone.

The IBB portfolio includes business and resort hotels in the three-, four- and five-star category. Providing leasing, management and franchise contracts and investing in attractive operator free properties, the hotel company has ambitious growth plans, focusing on the countries where it is already active.

Source: The Malta Chamber of Commerce Enterprise and Industry

THE BIG INTERVIEW with Sven von der Heyden

Cugó Gran is one of the finest examples of a restored farmhouse in Menorca. And it is the brainchild of Sven von der Heyden, a German national who has had deep-rooted connections with the island for many years.

We met in the dining room at Cugó and discussed his journey to arrive at such a stunning property.

From owning a small boat and holidaying here in Menorca, he progressed to owning a property in Cala Llonga and living here. And until very recently he commuted across Europe from Menorca to conduct his many business interests.

He was trained as an investment banker and institutional bond dealer with a private bank in Germany, which later led in 1989 to becoming the wealth manager of his first clients. This led him to not just advise clients but work as an entrepreneur himself, and so he started his own property development company very soon after. The company quickly targeted the Eastern European countries in the early 90s, along with refurbishing tenement houses in the new German federal states, at the time when the West was providing beneficial tax breaks for those investing in East Germany.

This business has thrived and he has property projects running in Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin in Germany and Warsaw and Poznan in Poland. In the early years of this century he started to invest into IBB Hotel Collection, in which he now owns the majority.

He continues to have both personal and business interests in Menorca. His two children completed their junior school education here, and he became the President of the local Housing Association in Cala Llonga. His energy and enthusiasm galvanised most of the residents there and he was able to make great improvements to the public spaces. And he still has his property there.

But it is Cugó that has been his long-term love affair. He purchased the property in 2001, and it was only in 2016 when the doors were first opened for business.

‘I bought the property on a slight whim, and spent the first years of owning it wondering what to do with the building and the 250 acres that comes with it. Convert it into a private villa or make it available for luxury rental? I have now invested over 9 million euros in the property, and I am proud of what has been achieved, especially to have protected and restored such a wonderful property that is part of the heritage of the island.’

The business broke even in 2016, its first trading year, which he thinks ‘isn’t too bad’. He continues: ‘But the issue is that July and August provide around 70% of the total revenue. So, it is too seasonal, and this applies to Cugó as with the rest of the island. We have generated very good media coverage since we opened; we just need to work harder and be more focussed on bringing business in during the shoulder periods, just like everyone else in Menorca.’

He retains some other business interests here – he owns a hotel in Cala´n Porter and has a small investment in Nautic Lounge Menorca, a fleet of fun motor crafts that tourists can hire and take out into Mahón harbour and enjoy an on-board BBQ. Always an eye for an opportunity!

‘I have my base now in Malta, and we conduct our business from there. The Public Sector has a very positive attitude to business, and they have managed to attract some large brands to invest on their island, create jobs and add to the economy. It is an interesting example of what can be achieved with a can-do mentality, which I had hoped so badly to find in Menorca.’

Typical business day: I don’t have one. I am not really tied to a desk, but am always on the move. I have clocked up over 4,500 flights during my career and keep on having some 100 flights every year.

His two children from his first marriage are at university in London. They love it here and frequently visit.

Downtime
I love snow skiing, especially in Lech in Austria, enjoy boating and playing golf. I am an avid newspaper reader, and subscribe and consume before breakfast the FT, El Mundo, Süddeutsche Zeitung and the Times of Malta so I can keep abreast of what’s happening in Europe and the world.

Interests
Work and play often blend together: wherever I go I run in my mind a potential business plan on a given hotel I stay in. Some may think this is weird, but my job is my passion.

Roqueta Menorca Interview with Sven von der Heyden – June 2017

Coppini moves to Von der Heyden Group taking over CFO position

Luke Coppini is joining the Von der Heyden Group as group chief financial officer and will be appointed as a management board member of Timan Investments Holdings Ltd as of September 18.
Mr Coppini has gained vast experience in the field of finance during the last more than 30 years of his professional career serving the last five years as CEO of Midi.
He will be ultimately responsible for the group’s financing and financial reporting, which also includes IBB Hotel Collection.
Former CFO Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza will be promoted to senior executive director and will be responsible for strategy, investment and controlling for the entire group and will remain at the same time an executive board member of Timan Investments Holdings Ltd.
Sven von der Heyden, chairman of Von der Heyden Group said: “During the last three years I got to know Luke as a calm and level headed professional with lots of experience in Real Estate development, which still remains our core business.”
Von der Heyden Group recently issued a €25m bond on the Maltese Stock Exchange.
VDHG currently has offices and representations in Malta, Warsaw, Poznań, Lublin, Berlin, Munich, Madrid, Menorca, Amsterdam and Luxembourg. It employs directly or indirectly about 300 people in over 34 subsidiaries.

Maltese company invests €154 million in Munich development project

The Valletta-based Von der Heyden Group is investing €154 million in the Bavaria Towers, a €380 million development consisting of three office towers and a hotel tower that will redefine the skyline of Munich.  Described as one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of this German city, the building will make an impressive visual statement on the main access to Munich’s eastern district of Bogenhausen. The building shells for all four towers will be finished before the end of the year, while completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.

The Von der Heyden Group also owns the IBB Hotel Collection which operates hotels in Spain, Malta, Germany and Poland. Last April, IBB announced the restoration and renovation of Senglea’s iconic Maċina Bastion to become the first exclusive Cugó Gran hotel in Malta, opening in mid-summer 2017.  IBB Plazza Merkanti in Valletta will be their second hotel in Malta when it opens its doors in January 2018. Last week, the hotel chain opened its 11th and 12th IBB Hotels in  Ingelheim and Paderborn respectively.

The Munich project consists of three office towers with a total floor space of 62,000 sqm of tenanted areas and a hotel tower leased by H-Hotels‘ new premium brand Hyperion to open in October 2018. The hotel occupies the 54 metre high White Tower, of which 14 of its 15 floors are already completed, and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travelers as it benefits from its direct proximity to the Munich exhibition centre. Services geared towards business travellers, such as valet parking, business lounges featuring dedicated check-in and concierge services are among the many highlights offered by this new hotel with its 345 guest rooms.

The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlight also includes office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. Two underground car parks offer 960 car spaces. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications. The project is the brainchild of development company Bayern Projekt GmbH, who have teamed up with the investment partners Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Group Germany to bring this exciting new development to life.

Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group, said: “The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The Bavaria Towers will be making an important contribution to contemporary urban planning as they create an architectural highlight that will make the residents of Munich proud of their city and at the same time will make the quality and standards of tomorrow available to be enjoyed by its occupiers today.”

The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the centre of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The highlight of the festive event, attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid, the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, and over 200 guests, was ‘the landing of a Martian’, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins that were immured into the foundation stone.

The IBB portfolio includes business and resort hotels in the three-, four- and five-star category. Providing leasing, management and franchise contracts and investing in attractive operator free properties, the hotel company has ambitious growth plans, focusing on the countries where it is already active.

IBB celebrates opening of legendary Macina in a new avatar

IBB Hotel Collection, an international leader in bespoke developments, celebrated the opening of the legendary Macina as Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, signaling the arrival of a new home for visitors seeking a new-world charm in one of Malta’s historical and walled cities, Senglea.

Cugó Gran Macina is also the first member of Design Hotels in Malta. The star-studded opening ceremony was held on the property’s rooftop event venue, The Sheer Bastion, which unfolds breathtaking views along with a sweep of history dating back to the 16th century. IBB Hotel Collection Chairman Sven von der Heyden welcomed the Prime Minister of Malta Joseph Muscat and host of dignitaries from Malta and abroad.

Sven von der Heyden said: ”We are honoured to be part of the Macina story, which historically contributed to Senglea’s title ‘Citta’ Invicta’ (Unconquered City). After 40,000 total man hours and a multimillion euro investment on restoration and rehabilitation, it is a great feeling to see such an iconic 16 th -century building come to life again for people to experience and be another step closer to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour, located in Senglea’s iconic Macina Bastion, enjoyed a soft opening in December 2017 and now, after an 18-month renovation, all the 21 fully-appointed suites are open to guests. The IBB Hotel Collection, operates hotels under lease, management and franchise contracts with three different own-brands: Cugó Gran, IBB Hotel and IBB Blue Hotel.

Vladimir Saal, CEO of IBB Hotel Collection, said: “IBB opened four hotels during the last 12 months, but nothing can be compared to the passion and the attention to detail that was necessary for the opening of this new gem of our hotel collection. We are very proud of the transformation process of this important development project at Grand Harbour. Now we can fully concentrate on the opening of our new IBB Hotel Valletta Merkanti adjacent to Suq tal-Belt.”

Built in 1554, during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, Macina has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864. Today, the Cugó Gran Macina is aiming high by aspiring to be a landmark of a different class: a luxury boutique accommodation that will be a showpiece on the historic Cottonera seafront.

More than 500 invited guests peered from The Sheer Bastion which features unique panoramic views of Valletta and the Three Cities. The venue is part of the Hammett’s Collection of the eponymous Chris Hammett, a 24-time award winning restaurateur. It can host up to 1,000 guests standing or 300 seated in a spectacular setting and is likely to become Malta’s foremost destination for corporate meetings, weddings, and other celebrations.

Guests also experienced the history and transformation of the building via short films. A celebratory plaque was unveiled by the Prime Minister in the presence of Chairman, CEO and other senior IBB officials.

IBB Hotel Collection is a subsidiary of Von der Heyden Group, a Valletta-based real estate development, investment and group of hotels, with special interest in redevelopment projects.

Currently operating 11 hotels in Germany, Poland and Spain, the hotel collection has ambitious growth plans for the upcoming years.

Source: www.livenewsmalta.com

Macina officially opens as all-suite hotel

IBB Hotel Collection on Thursday celebrated the opening of the legendary Macina as Cugó Gran Macina Grand Harbour in Senglea.

Cugó Gran Macina is also the first member of Design Hotels in Malta.

The opening ceremony was held on the property’s rooftop event venue, The Sheer Bastion, part of the Hammett’s Collection of the eponymous Chris Hammett, a 24-time award winning restaurateur.

The 16th century building required 40,000 total man hours and a multimillion euro investment on restoration and rehabilitation to turn it into a hotel offering 21 suites, which chairman Sven von Heyden said had brought it “another step closer to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site”.

Built in 1554, during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, Macina has been one of the Grand Harbour’s most renowned landmarks, deriving its name ‘Macina’ (originally ‘macchina’) from the large sheer crane structure, used to hoist masts and other heavy cargo, which was eventually dismantled during the British period in 1864.

IBB Hotel Collection is a subsidiary of Von der Heyden Group, a Valletta-based real estate development, investment and group of hotels, which is now working on the new IBB Hotel Valletta Merkanti adjacent to Suq tal-Belt.

Source: www.timesofmalta.com