Von der Heyden Group starts construction of ‘Długi Targ’ Hotel project in the heart of Gdańsk!

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Development Project is a unique property acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a complex tender from Millenium Bank some years back and is located in the most attractive part in the heart of Gdańsk, at the corner of historical Długi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczanska Street, almost opposite to the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

With history of over 1000 years, Gdańsk is one of the oldest, one of the most dynamic, most popular tourist destinations in Poland. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a conurbation of over 1.2 million inhabitants. Gdańsk, as the capital of the Pomerania Province is also an important academic and business centre in the country.

A complex tender for a General Contractor for construction works has been won by the locally based, renowned company, Allcon Sp. z o.o. sp. k. and the construction agreement was signed on April 21, 2016.

Allcon Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp. k. is a Pomeranian company specializing in general contracting in ‘design and build’ type contracts and ‘turn-key’ projects. During 25 years on the market, the company has completed dozens of projects for Polish and foreign investors. Allcon Budownictwo is a proud holder of a number of Certificates, issued among others by Det Norske Veritas (presently DNV GL Group), an independent international certification body. Certificates confirm compliance with the requirements of standards of quality management (ISO 9001: 2008) and environmental management (ISO 14001: 2004).

The chosen architect for the ‘Długi Targ’ Project is also a locally based company ‘Architectonica S.A.’ and the interior design is made by‘TOYA Design’ from Poznań. The Project Manger is ‘Probuild’ Sp. z o.o.

On signing the agreement, Sven von der Heyden, Von der Heyden Group’s Chairman said: ‘We have never given up to make this wonderful project a reality. Our timing at acquistion was not ideal right before the financial crisis broke out in 2007/2008. We have taken advantages of the suffered delays and optimized the design, increased the number of rooms and found a strong banking partner in Alior Bank. I am convinced that this Hotel will be financially very successful given its design and location combined with our usual touch for detail.’

Adam Trybusz, the President of the Management Board of Długi Targ Sp. z o.o., a special purpose vehicle to implement the project, and Co-investor of the project said: ‘The right to participate in such a unique project that is development of Dlugi Targ Boulevard wins with every obstacle on the timeline. This time, the time has not always favoured us. However, with such location it doesn’t matter that much. What matters most is the privilege to co-create the history of the city, the history of the beautiful city of Gdańsk.’

‘We are delighted that such a renowned and respected Investor has appreciated ALLCON Budownictwo’s experience in hotel construction. For our company, conducting construction works in the historical centre of Gdańsk, and with such a demanding and prestigious project, is a great motivation and a big chance for us to confirm the quality of our services.’ – said Mariusz Białek, the President of the Management Board of ALLCON Budownictwo Sp. z o.o., shareholder of ALLCON Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp.k.

The ‘Długi Targ’ development project (estimated development budget: Euro 11 million) is based on refurbishment and conversion of three historical semidetached city houses into a unique 90 room hotel with a total area of app. 4.500 m2.

The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a top 5* refined boutique hotel, however, due to changing market environment, the initial idea responded the local market needs and an efficient and trendy 3* Superior hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor. The characteristics of the external façade will be carefully preserved, however at the same time, the interiors will be modern and full of innovative solutions.

On July 1, 2016 there will take place the Cornerstone Laying Ceremony. The hotel will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection (IBBHC). In Poland, IBBHC successully operates two renowned 4* hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań, both enjoying the best results in terms of REVPAR and occupancy. IBBBHC operates as well two 4* hotels and three 3* hotels in Germany, as well as three hotels in Spain: one 5* hotel, one 4* hotel and one 3* hotel (more info about IBBHC: www.ibbhotels.com).

In the new hotel in Gdańsk, guests will have 90 rooms and comfortable apartments at their disposal located on five above-ground storeys. The hotel will offer business facilities such as free in-room internet and business corners with a computer/printer for a public use. The hotel will also be focused on touristic groups with a drive-in access for busses, being the only hotel in the area with such a convenience. The venue will also offer retail lease and exquisite boutiques.

The city of Gdańsk will offer unforgettable memories and numerous events like e.g. St. Dominic’s Fair that is held in Długi Targ Boulevard, it’s the oldest dated from the 13th century, the most famous, and one of the largest open air events in Europe that attracts about 6.5 mln guests to Gdańsk every summer.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Project 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 there.

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VDHG Press Release 28-04-2016 ENG

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 breaking ceremony of hotel development project ‘IBB Hotel Długi Targ’ in Gdańsk

Location: Długi Targ 14-16, heart of the Old Town in Gdańsk
Estimated investment budget: Euro 11 million
Total area: 4.500 m2
End of Construction: late summer 2017
Investor and Developer: Długi Targ Sp. z o.o. (Von der Heyden Group, Adam Trybusz)
Project Manager: Probuild Sp. z o.o.
Architect: Biuro Projektów ‘Architectonica’ S.A.
General Contractor: Allcon Budownictwo Sp. z o.o. sp. k.
Interior Design: TOYA Design Sp. z o.o.
Financing Bank: Alior Bank S.A.
Hotel Operator: IBB Hotel Collection

The ‘Długi Targ’ development project (estimated development budget: Euro 11 million) is based on refurbishment and conversion of three historical semidetached city houses into a unique 90 room hotel with a total area of app. 4.500 m2.

With history of over 1000 years, Gdańsk is one of the oldest, one of the most dynamic, most popular tourist destinations in Poland. Together with Gdynia and Sopot, Gdańsk forms a conurbation of over 1.2 million inhabitants. Gdańsk, as the capital of the Pomerania Province is also an important academic and business centre in the country.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Development Project is a unique property acquired by Von der Heyden Group in a complex tender from Bank Millennium S.A. some years back and is located in the most attractive part in the heart of Gdańsk, at the corner of historical Długi Targ Boulevard and Mieszczanska Street, almost opposite to the Neptun’s Statute and the Dwór Artusa Building.

A complex tender for a General Contractor for construction works has been won by the locally based, renowned company, Allcon Sp. z o.o. sp. k. and the construction agreement was signed in April 2016. The chosen architect for the ‘Długi Targ’ Project is also a locally based company ‘Architectonica’ S.A. and the interior design is made by ‘TOYA Design’ Sp. z o.o. from Poznań. The Project Manger is ‘Probuild’ Sp. z o.o. The financing Bank for the Project is Alior Bank S.A.

The initial concept of Von der Heyden Group was to create a top 5* refined boutique hotel, however, due to changing market environment, the initial idea responded the local market needs and an efficient and trendy 3* Superior hotel will be created. The building will also have prime retail space on the ground floor. The characteristics of the external façade will be preserved, however at the same time, the interiors will be modern and full of innovative solutions.

The IBB Hotel Długi Targ in Gdańsk will be opened in late summer 2017 and will be managed by IBB Hotel Collection (IBBHC). In Poland, IBBHC successully operates two renowned 4* hotels: IBB Grand Hotel Lublinianka in Lublin and IBB Andersia Hotel in Poznań, both enjoying the best results in terms of REVPAR and occupancy. IBBBHC operates as well two 4* hotels and two 3* hotels in Germany, as well as three hotels in Spain: one 5* hotel, one 4* hotel and one 3* hotel (more info about IBBHC: http://www.ibbhotels.com).

In the new hotel in Gdańsk, guests will have 90 rooms and comfortable apartments at their disposal located on five above-ground storeys. The hotel will offer business facilities such as free in-room internet and business corners with a computer/printer for a public use. The hotel will also be focused on touristic groups with a drive-in access for busses, being the only hotel in the area with such a convenience. The venue will also offer retail lease and exquisite boutiques.

The city of Gdańsk will offer unforgettable memories and numerous events like e.g. St. Dominic’s Fair that is held in Długi Targ Boulevard, it’s the oldest dated from the 13th century, the most famous, and one of the largest open air events in Europe that attracts about 6.5 mln guests to Gdańsk every summer.

‘Długi Targ’ Hotel Project 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 there.

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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

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

Symbolic laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in Munich!

Festive event for a groundbreaking high-rise development: Symbolic laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in Munich

  • Festivities attended by more than 200 guests and prominent representatives from politics
  • Futuristic “Martian” arrives with time capsule
  • Construction of the 4 highrise towers already in advanced stages
  • The 380 million Euro project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018

Munich, June 22, 2017 – Tomorrow starts today! The festive laying of the foundation stone for the Bavaria Towers in the eastern part of the capital city of Bavaria marked the beginning of one of the most spectacular developments in the recent history of Munich. Three office towers and a hotel tower will redefine the skyline of Munich and make an impressive visual statement on the main access to the district of Bogenhausen. The festive event was attended by Munich‘s Deputy Mayor Josef Schmid as well as the Head of the Urban Planning and Construction Authority, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Merk, the architects and others involved in the project alongside the 200 guests from both business and public administration. They accepted the invitation by developer Bayern Projekt and its investment partners Von der Heyden Group und Zurich Group Germany. The symbolic foundation stone was placed in the center of the development among the well progressed highrise towers, in order to ensure its visibility for future occupiers and visitors. The White Tower will be leased by the new premium hotel Hyperion and has already been completed up to the 14th floor. The highlight of the event was the „landing“ of a „Martian“, who handed over a time capsule holding plans, daily newspapers and coins to be immured into the foundation stone. Sven Renz, Managing Director of Bayern Projekt GmbH during the ceremony: „As strong as the State of Bavaria, as pioneering as our capital city Munich – the Bavaria Towers will make an important contribution to shaping the new face of Munich and the entire precinct around the eastern gateway to our beautiful city. This important contribution to contemporary urban planning was always a top priority on our agenda and it is the reason why we created 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 – in keeping with our motto ‚Tomorrow starts today‘.“

The laying of the foundation stone kickstarts one of Munich‘s most important development projects. The 380 million Euro development at the corner of Einsteinstraße and Prinzregentenstraße is the first highrise development project to have received planning permission in Munich for many years, and only because it does not impact on the city‘s visual axis. The urban significance of the site necessitated many years of development planning with the city administration as well as an architecture tender, which saw the project being awarded to the Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos team of architects. They designed four towers with a pentagonal building shape, which will raise the benchmark in the eastern city fringe to building heights of 46 to 84 metres.

White tower leased by Hyperion Hotel
Three office towers with a total floorspace of 62,000 sqm 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 and will become one of Munich‘s premier destinations for business travellers – the hotel scores with 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 central (neighbourhood) square will be located between the towers and bestow the entire precinct with a welcoming campus flair boasting inviting facilities and services. The profile of Munich‘s new architectural highlights is complemented by 960 car spaces in two underground car parks, office space starting at 250 sqm to accommodate single offices or open plan layouts as well as a pioneering sustainability concept. The towers will hold the prestigious LEED Gold or DGNB Gold sustainability certifications.

Construction works progressing well
The construction works at the high-profile project are on track. Sven Renz: „We will complete the building shells for all four towers before the end of the year. Completion of the entire project is currently planned for the third quarter of 2018.“ The biggest progress has so far been made at the White Tower, with 14 of its 15 floors already completed. 8 out of a total 20 floors have been completed in the 84 metre high Sky Tower, while the Blue Tower has 12 out of 18 completed and the Star Tower 6 out of its total 9. Installation of the facade has already commenced for the lower parts of the White Tower.

Successful marketing campaign
Promising negotiations with prospective tenants interested in the prestigious office spaces at the gateway to Bogenhausen are currently underway. The attractive White Tower with its long lease to tenant H-Hotels AG has already been acquired by Swiss Life Asset Managers in the context of a forward deal. Sven Renz: „There‘s an extraordinary level of interest from prospective tenants for all available spaces and types of floor plans – from single floors to inquiries from large corporations concerning expansive accommodation for their new headquarter offices. We are not ready to disclose any names just yet, but expect to present reputable and renowned tenants in the next few months.“

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.

Facts & Figures

Sky Tower
Height: 83,60 m
Number of floors: 20
Gross floorspace: 26.246 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 19. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 380
Certification: DGNB-Gold
Owner: Zurich Insurance plc.

Star Tower
Height: 46,10 m
Number of floors: 9
Gross floorspace: 11.908 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 8. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 140
Certification: DGNB-Gold
Owner: Zurich Insurance plc.

Blue Tower
Height: 72,30 m
Number of floors: 18
Gross floorspace: 24.347 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. upper floor
Underground car park spaces: 300
Certification: LEED-Gold
Owner: Bogenhausener Tor Immobilien GmbH

White Tower
Leased by Hyperion Hotel
Height: 53,60 m
Number of floors: 15
Gross floorspace: 15.150 sqm
Roof terraces: 2. and 8. upper floors
Underground car park spaces: 140
Certification: LEED-Gold
Owner: Swiss Life Asset Managers

Bavaria Towers Ground Breaking – Press Release EN – 22 06 2017

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.

Von der Heyden Group welcomes on board Mr Luke Coppini!

We are pleased to announce that Mr Luke Coppini has joined 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 the 18th of September 2017.

Luke Coppini has gained vast experience in the field of finance during the last more than 30 years of his professional career serving the last 5 years as CEO of MIDI plc., a large Maltese public Real Estate Development Company. Under Luke´s supervision as CEO, MIDI has successfully developed Q1 and Q2 residential towers as well as the T14 Office Building. Before being appointed CEO of MIDI plc., he held the position of CFO of the same company, where he had a significant role in the residential and commercial development at Tigne Point opposite of Valletta.

Prior to his time at MIDI, Luke Coppini worked at the Mizzi Organisation in executive positions.

In Von der Heyden Group, Luke Coppini will be ultimately responsible for the Group’s Financing and Financial Reporting, which also includes IBB Hotel Collection.

Mr 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.

On the new appointment, Mr Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of Von der Heyden Group said: ‘We are very pleased to have Luke in our team, who compliments our profile perfectly. During the last 3 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.’

He went on further to thank Javier Errejón Sainz de la Maza for his loyal and hard-working support during the last 11 years also in challenging times: ‘Javier and I spearheaded the Von der Heyden Group for more than 10 years together now and have weathered many storms but also celebrated great successes together. I am happy that Javier is promoted to take on Investment, Strategy and Investment Control of the entire Group.’

‘I am honoured to have been selected to form part of the executive team at Von der Heyden Group’, Mr Luke Coppini said, ‘I look forward to working in this young and dynamic group with a successful history and ambitious plans for the coming years.’

Von der Heyden Group are excited about our future, the recent 25 mln Euro bond issue on the Maltese stock exchange, which was subscribed by more than 1.300 local investors and a few institutions, has been a great support in helping Von der Heyden Group and IBB Hotel Collection to grow to spheres we have carefully analysed and prepared.

VDHG Press Release 7 07 2017

FIRST MAJOR LEASE: EGYM LEASES 6.000 SQM OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE BAVARIA TOWERS MUNICH

  • 10-year-lease agreement signed
  • High-tech company in the fitness and health business will occupy 4 floors in the Blue Tower
  • Developers currently in advanced talks to conclude further leases

A major lease has been signed for one of the most spectacular real estate projects in Munich. Bayern Projekt GmbH has concluded for the Bavaria Towers in the east of the regional capital, a long-term office lease agreement with eGym covering 6.000 sqm of office space.

The high-tech company in the fitness and health business will move its headquarters, after completion of the four-tower project end of 2018, to floors 1 to 4 of the Blue Tower belonging to investor Von der Heyden Group. The tenant has been advised by Igenus Immobilien and Bayern Projekt by Colliers International.

Sven Renz, Managing Director of the real estate developer Bayern Projekt says: ‘The Bavaria Towers are one of the most spectacular developments in recent years in Munich. With construction progressing we simultaneously see a strong demand for office space and it is with great pleasure that we can now announce the conclusion of this major lease with the innovative and successful eGym in line with our leasing strategy.’

Sven von der Heyden, Chairman of the Von der Heyden Group says: ‘We are delighted to welcome eGym to Bavaria Towers, after the successful complete lease-up of the White Tower to H-Hotels we are now starting to harvest the fruits after a 12-year long journey. My sincere thanks to all our consultants and in particular to Bayern Projekt.’

The conclusion of the lease comes on the back of other milestones surrounding the mega-project comprising a total of 62.000 sqm of office space in its three 46 to 84-meter office towers. For the 15.600 sqm hotel building White Tower the tenant H-Hotels recently announced that it will open Munich’s first Hyperion Hotel covering 15 floors. With the move of eGym, which through the digitalization of training facilities contributes to the optimal functioning of gyms for all user groups, the group of tenants is further expanding.

Currently Bayern Projekt is in advanced talks with various other large interested tenants. Markus Turrek, Executive Project Manager at Bayern Projekt: ‘We are convinced that in the next weeks to months further major leases can be announced.’

Bavaria Towers completed soon

The construction works on Munich’s new landmark project are progressing in line with expectations. The main construction of the buildings has been finalized and the finishes of the inner parts as well as the technical installations is in an advanced stage. Full completion of the project is expected for end of 2018. With the Bavaria Towers, one of the most important real estate developments of Munich in the last decade become a reality, that will redefine the eastern part of the city.

The 380 million Euro project at the crossroads of Einsteinstrasse and Prinzregentenstrasse is the first high-rise project in many years being developed in Munich. The initiator of the project is Bayern Projekt GmbH, which is realizing the project after more than 12 years of preparation time together with the investors Von der Heyden Group and Zurich Insurance Group Germany. The construction started two and a half years ago.

Press release – 24.04.2018