For the sixth consecutive year “Verslo žinios” has been organizing the Baltic Real Estate Investment Forum, and the second time – „Baltic Real Estate Awards 2016“ (05.05.2016) for the Baltic region real estate projects, or phases of large projects completed for occupancy during the year 2015. It includes awards for the most value producing buildings of the year in the areas of office, retail, hotel and residential development.
This year the competition took place among 52 housing projects and 27 commercial buildings.
Best shopping center category rewarded the new, expanded or reconstructed shopping centres, retail parks or factory outlets which succeed in encouraging and retaining traffic, while offering a unique shopper experience through new technologies, services, customer loyalty programmes and architectural features that aim to increase footfall and customer satisfaction.
PONTOS Group project – reconctructed shopping center RYO in Panevėžys – has been awarded as „Best Shopping Center“ in the Baltic States. RYO competed in the shopping centres category with the projects in Vilnius and Tallinn. RYO has been reconstructed in year 2014, rebranded and re-opened in January, 2015. Investment of the project amounted to 7,4 million Euros. Since 2011 RYO is owned by the Finnish investment company PONTOS Group and managed by the commercial property and real estate services adviser CBRE.
“Verslo žinios” organized “Baltic Real Estate Investment Forum 2016“. Partner „Newsec Baltics“ and „Ober-Haus Real Estate Advisors“ has selected the finalists, which later was assessed by the international jury commission in accordance with the detailed criteria.
The awards are judged according to the following key criteria:
Innovation & Design showing new ideas, approaches or execution models that enhance the project’s tenant appeal, efficiency and value in relation to its environment, public and media recognition, sustainability;
Location & accessibility showing effective site selection credentials, catchment capacity, transport access, etc.;
Quality & punctuality of construction process.
Other Categories
Best office & business development.
This category rewards newly constructed office buildings and business parks that offer owners and users increased worker satisfaction and productivity, improved health, greater flexibility and enhanced energy and environmental performance of the workplace. Through an integrated design, the focus must be on the ability to accommodate the specific space and equipments needs of the tenant. WINNER: Investment company “Lords LB Asset Management“ developed office building “K29” in Vilnius.
Best residential development
This category celebrates new developments that provide the best housing opportunities, while adopting originality and aesthetics. An integrated urban design, as well as a smart-site planning, is important for the residential project to merge well with the wider community and surrounding neighbourhood. WINNER: „YIT Kausta“ project „Upės rezidencija“ in Vilnius.
Best hotel & tourism resort
This award honours the most innovative newly-constructed hotel in terms of architecture and interior design, while also considering client well-being, services provided to guests, leisure and recreational facilities and environmental aspects. WINNER: „SPA Estonia“ project „Estonia Resort Hotel & Spa“ in Parnu.