Real I.S. AG signs 20-year lease with KPN for Toren op Zuid in Rotterdam

Real I.S. AG has leased the office building on Wilhelminakade 123 in Rotterdam to telecommunications service provider KPN on behalf of its BGV IV fund for 20 years.

The existing building of Architect Renzo Piano with approximately 18,500 sq m will be fully refurbished and will house state-of-the-art office space. Furthermore, the building is to be extended by another approximately 2,800 sq m to host, for example, a KPN experience centre as well as a conference centre. With the irrevocable building permit having been issued at the end of January, construction work commenced last month and is expected to be finalised by the end of 2017.

With this extension, ambitions to revitalise the public space in this former harbour area of Rotterdam are being realised, 18 years after the building was inaugurated. The extension has been designed by V8 architects with the full consent of Renzo Piano and in close collaboration with the Urban Department of the City of Rotterdam. The tower’s new plinth illustrates the vitality of the ‘Wilhelminapier’ and creates an inviting entrance to the area south of the city centre, known for its high-rise and architectural highlights.

“The use of new technology, the modern office design and the resulting contemporary work flow allows the space to be used more efficiently than before. In consideration of these aspects, we are pleased that KPN has decided to renew the contract on a long-term basis,” says Georg Jewgrafow, Chief Executive Officer of Real I.S. AG.

“With the planned extension on the ground floor and a complete renovation of the office tower, the renewed KPN Tower will fulfil our requirements for office space in a dynamic and central location, close to public transport, and open and easily accessible for our employees, our customers and other stakeholders,” says Jan Kees de Jager, CFO of Royal KPN N.V. “At KPN we opted for renovation of our existing office in Rotterdam rather than building new office space, in line with our sustainability ambitions. After the renovation, the KPN Tower will be one of the smartest office buildings in the Netherlands: connected to the cloud, allowing for energy savings and a more efficient an improved working climate for employees and visitors.”

On the letting side, Real I.S. was advised by NL Real Estate. The architectural work is being carried out by V8 architects.

The technical project management is being provided by Savills. The construction work is being carried out by Dura Vermeer.

The images contained in this press release were compiled by V8 architects.