Poznań Financial Centre: The Grand Opening

The Grand Opening of Poznań Financial Centre (PFC) took place on the 21st of September 2001. A press conference was organised prior to commencement of the official ceremony and the journalists had the opportunity to speak to: Sven von der Heyden – the Investor/Developer, Adam Trybusz – The President of Centrum Kongresowe Biurowiec, Grzegorz Michalski – the President of Centrum Kongresowe, Tomasz Kayser – Vice President of the City of Poznań and to the architects Ewa and Stanisław Sipińscy.

Apart from the traditional speeches and expressions of gratitude, there was also a symbolic opening of the building by Polkomtel S.A. – one of PFC’s key tenants. By using state-of-the-art telecommunication technology and sending an sms-message, a wooden model of the building was unveiled.

The Archbishop of Poznań, Juliusz Paetz, consecrated PFC and blessed all present.

All the guests received a surprise gift from Centrum Kongresowe Biurowiec in the form of a picture album with beautiful photographs of the building. This album tells the story about the development of Poznań Financial Centre, its history and the people who dedicated part of their lives to erect this building.

Upon completion of the official ceremony, the guests were treated to a concert by Golec Uorkestra band. Engineers, financiers, architects, consultants – everybody could sing along to the song “Ściernisko” which had a special meaning for all of those involved with the development of PFC.

And there was a banquet during which guests could talk about not just the history of PFC and the completion of construction, but also about further development plans on Andersa Square. During the banquet, the guests could admire an exhibition of photographs presenting the completed building and particular phases of its development.

Poznan: Andersia Property continues

The initial design has already been prepared. The Investor will apply for the building permit in the spring. Construction works will commence this year.

The highest construction in Poznan, high- technology buidling with the higest quality fit-out and facilities. Permament monitoring and automatic management of all operating systems will qualify it as a so called ‘intelligent’ object.

Grand Hotel Lublinianka – renovation continues

The last stage of works has already finished such as furnishing the hotel rooms and windows decorations. Just in a few days, light fixtures and carpets will be installed.

Completed conservation works in the main hall allow us to feel its ancient charm again in a slightly changed environment. Decorative granite stone floors, together with a bar and the reception desk specially made in Italy as well as furniture from Spain create a unique atmosphere in the public areas. The furniture in the Hotel rooms, purposely made for the Grand Hotel Lublinianka, will entice our guests as well as Lublin inhabitants to stay longer than just the odd business trip. The soon to be opened kitchen will give us a possibility to experiment its dishes and perhaps- discover new flavors.

Completion of courtyard?s works, the granite stone floor finishing as well as the Turkish Bath in the Spa will complete the picture of this unique place ? Grand Hotel Lublinianka.

Investment description

Spain: VDHG enters into Hotel Market

Von der Heyden Group is proud to announce that the group bought a stake in the mid-size Spanish Hotel Operator Asturme S.L. The company is currently going through a re-branding process and will be called IBB Hotels throughout Spain.

IBB owns or operates various hotels on the Mediterranean Island Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Vigo, Viella (Spanish Pyrrenees).

The Operator goes through a strong period of growths, new ownership structure guarantees the necessary funds for the expansion.

IBB is currently considering various proposals to increase its presence on the Spanish peninsula and may also do business soon in Central Eastern Europe.

Szczecin, VDHG signs a Letter of Intent with the City of Szczecin

Von der Heyden Group and the City of Szczecin have signed a letter of Intent to set up a Joint Venture Company for building the Szczecin Financial Center on Solidarnosci Square.

The two phase development is estimated to cost in the region of Euro 35 mln. to Euro 50 mln., depending on the final size of the buildings.

Poznan, Inauguration of Cyryl Ratajski Monument

The monument of Cyryl Ratajski inaugurated in front of Poznan Financial Centre. Von der Heyden Group was the main sponsor of this event which offers the gratitude of the Poznan society to the pre-war mayor of Poznan, Cyryl Ratajski who headed the City for more than 12 years as First Mayor.

He was the founder of the Poznan International Fair, a big contribution to the economic success of the City as such.

Warsaw, Mysia 5 (Liberty Corner): Erection Act Ceremony

On May 21, 2002 at 12:00 a.m., Erection Act has been built into the foundations of the “Liberty Corner” office building at Mysia 5 street, future headquarters of the Polish Press Agency. The Erection Act was signed by: the Primate of Poland – Cardinal Józef Glemp, Jolanta Szymanek – Deresz – Head of the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland, president of Warsaw – Wojciech Kozak, the Marshal of Sejm – Marek Borowski, and the Hosts of the ceremony: Mr Sven von der Heyden – president of Von der Heyden Group and Robert Bogdański – president of PAP. Blessing of the building under construction was done by the Warsaw bishop Piotr Jarecki.

“Liberty Corner” owned by Von der Heyden Group and PAP is being constructed at the place of former Censorship Office. The Censorship Office was demolished in autumn 2001, however, its parts will be used for decoration in the new office building.

Poznan: Andersia Property receives building permit!

”Von der Heyden Group is pleased to announce that on 12.07.02 the City Authorities of Poznan granted Andersia Property Sp. z o.o. the building permit to build a Class A Hotel/Office/Retail complex.

The start of the underground works is expected to be in spring 2003, 6 months later than originally thought. The developer took that decision in order to complete the negotiations with a Hotel Operator and potentially seek a pre-lease for the office area.”’

Lublin: VDHG terminates the Lease Agreement with SORAT Hotels for the Grand Hotel Lublinianka

Von der Heyden Group terminated the 10-year Lease Agreement with SORAT Hotels Sp. z o.o. as the Tenant did not comply with the conditions of the lease agreement signed on 6. February 2001. SORAT failed to pay its rental obligations for 3 consecutive months and did not meet other financial obligations under the Lease Agreement.

Von der Heyden Group has taken over the majority of the staff and is fully prepared to run the Hotel as of 1 September 2002. Agreements with all key suppliers have been entered into in order to guarantee a smooth transition and ensure that the guests of the Hotel will have at least the same as before level of service. The pre-bookings are stable for the coming months. The average Room Rate is around 105 Euro and the Owner expects an Average Occupation in the first year of operations of around 40-45 %.