Skanska has begun construction of the first phase of its Nowy Format office complex in central Kraków, on the site of a former newspaper printing press. The nine-storey building, designated Nowy Format A1, will provide 21,400 sqm of gross leasable area and is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028. The broader complex will ultimately comprise three buildings totalling approximately 48,000 sqm in the Grzegórzki district.
The building is designed to achieve net zero operational CO2 emissions, operating without a connection to the district heating network and using a fully electric model. The entire complex is planned to be powered by renewable electricity backed by guarantees of origin. "Nowy Format A1 is a project where innovations directly translate into lower operational costs. The building has been designed without a connection to the district heating network, featuring a fully electric operational model and to set a new benchmark for energy performance. This is not an extra feature, but one of the project's core pillars," said Roland Jarosz, Executive Vice President of Operations Poland at Skanska CDE.
"Kraków is Poland's largest regional office market, yet the supply of modern office space in central locations remains very limited. Our decision to start construction of Nowy Format directly responds to the needs of tenants and investors looking for future-focused projects that combine high quality, strong ESG performance, excellent energy efficiency and convenient access to public transport," said Arkadiusz Rudzki, Executive Vice President Leasing and Sales at Skanska Commercial Development Europe.
The complex is situated close to a major public transport hub served by 15 tram lines, with Kraków Airport reachable by car in 30 minutes. Ground-floor space is planned to include a bakery-café and a bistro, complementing services available in the surrounding area. The development also incorporates an approximately 1,800 sqm garden, over 300 sqm of private terraces for tenants, a community urban fruit orchard and 150 bicycle parking spaces with changing facilities and a bicycle elevator.
Nowy Format targets WELL Core and Shell and LEED Core and Shell certifications and is being designed in accordance with EU Taxonomy criteria. The building will include tools for real-time utility monitoring and CO2 emission calculations to support ESG reporting. Skanska is also introducing its WasteTracker system in the building, and the complex will apply for a "Building Without Barriers" accessibility certification.
