Granit Asset Management has completed the first phase of renovations at Alkotás Point Office Building in Budapest, part of its Torony Real Estate Fund portfolio. The development focuses on technical upgrades and tenant experience improvements while meeting ESG standards.

The Duna Plaza shopping centre in Budapest will undergo a comprehensive renovation as part of an investment by Indotek Group. The redevelopment will expand the building beyond existing retail areas to include community meeting and experience centre functions, with construction expected to begin in early 2027 and the mall reopening in 2029.

Futureal Investment Partners, a member of Futureal Group, has finalized the ESG repositioning of its Wratislavia Tower in Wrocław, Poland. During the process, the building also received a BREEAM Excellent in-use certificate. The retrofitting project followed Futureal's "Office Impact Strategy," whereby older office buildings are being redeveloped to meet modern ESG market standards.

Some of the historic heritage buildings are crying for conversion for commercial use in many cities across the CEE region. Property Forum asked Mihály Schrancz, CEO and founding partner of newly-founded development company Realis Development Plc., about the risks and special preparation for such projects.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced a new luxury hotel opening, following the renovation and rebranding of the former Gellért Hotel in Budapest. The renamed Mandarin Oriental Gellert Budapest is expected to open in 2027 with a focus on wellness.

The food court in the Europa Shopping Center in Banská Bystrica has undergone significant changes, reports Aktuality.sk. It offers bigger choice of F&B options, new premises and self-service ordering kiosks as improved UX for their customers.

Technology is capable of extending offices’ lifespans and reducing the necessity for extensive renovations. However, due to economic and geopolitical events, investors are more restrained, Colliers reports.

Hungary's office market has slowed down, tenants are more cautious. Sadly, it often results in drawn-out decision-making as tenants focus on safe solutions, fearing the unpredictability of the future. In consequence, there are more renewals and fewer relocations. However, demand for experienced advisors providing high-added value is ever-growing, as the alternative – rectifying a poor lease contract after it is signed – is difficult and expensive, says Valter Kalaus, Managing Partner of Newmark VLK Hungary.

SES is refurbishing the King Cross shopping centre in Zagreb, Croatia which it has owned and managed since 2018. Construction work to completely refurbish the centre will begin in 2024 following an investment of approximately €40 million. Completion is scheduled for autumn 2025.

Attila Beer, Country Manager of Alukönigstahl Romania, spoke with Property Forum about the segments that will generate growth for the company, the price outlook on the commodities’ markets and Alukönigstahl’s solutions that can help companies in implementing their sustainability strategies.