Panattoni has started building a distribution centre for a manufacturer of sportswear and accessories. The BTS facility with an area of over 67 000 sqm is under construction in Czeladź, Upper Silesia. Completion of phase one is planned for H1 2021.

Although the coronavirus pandemic has the world (and the property sector) facing an unprecedented challenge, one positive consequence seems to be certain – it is going to accelerate the adaptation of technology. Property Forum asked three people in proptech to share their thoughts on how COVID-19 is going to impact the way we work and connect to each other.

The Bucharest economy stands as one of the most insulated service centres in Europe to the negative fallout related to the COVID-19 outbreak. This is largely due to Bucharest’s heavy reliance on IT&C activities as well as scientific and professional services, on par with European capitals like Dublin, Paris and London.  That said, Romania’s high integration in global value chains means that it will face significant headwinds given negative developments in the global economy.

MLP Group has purchased a land property located in Widzew district in the Southeastern part of Łódź where it plans to construct MLP Łódź, an 80,000 sqm modern logistics and distribution centre.

Colliers International has launched a microsite to provide insight and recommendations for business during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Swiss Pillar Investments Europe SARL, part of the Swiss Reinsurance Company, has applied to the Polish competition authorities to acquire five warehouse facilities from AEW in Poland.

Hungary-based developers Futureal Group and Cordia have decided to donate €700,000 (HUF 250 million) to the fight against COVID-19. The directors of the company will decide on the usage of the funds shortly,

With the acquisition of another 10.4 percent stake, Wing's stake in Echo Investment has increased to 66 percent, the Hungarian investor-developer announced.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause multiple disruptions to the world’s industries and economies and this is also true for many CEE currencies. Those countries that have not adopted the Euro, or are not pegged to it, have each seen a ca. 10% depreciation in currency value during the period February to March 2020. The Romanian Leu is the exception which has depreciated just 1%, largely due to central bank intervention, Colliers reports in its CEE Special Insights Series.

Governments in the region keep introducing economic aid packages. Property Forum’s daily summary looks at the measures taken to ease the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on households and businesses.