Rock Capital, one of Poland's most active retail park developers, has chosen the prestigious Metropolitan Warszawa as its new headquarters, marking another significant vote of confidence in the capital's premium office market. The family-owned company, which develops and manages retail parks hosting major brands including Lidl, Rossmann, Biedronka, and Pepco, has secured 460 m² of prime office space on the building's first floor.
The move comes at a time when Warsaw's office market is experiencing a flight to quality, with companies increasingly willing to pay premium rents for Grade A space in landmark buildings. Rock Capital's seven-year green lease, negotiated by BNM Real Estate Advisory, demonstrates the growing trend of mid-sized Polish companies choosing trophy assets over cheaper alternatives, particularly as employee retention becomes increasingly challenging in Poland's competitive labour market.
"We're excited to welcome Rock Capital, a dynamic, family-owned Polish company, to the distinguished group of tenants at Metropolitan Warszawa. Their decision to grow their business in this iconic building is a vote of confidence in the quality of the space and the ecosystem we've cultivated here," said Joanna Kowalska-Szymczak, founder and CEO of EBRU Capital, which manages the Metropolitan Warszawa asset.
The new headquarters, designed by BIT CREATIVE studio and its founder Barnaba Grzelecki, offers commanding views of the Grand Theatre and Moliera Street. The fit-out was completed by Neo-Świat, with common areas designed by NOKE Architects featuring curved glass entrances and refreshed interiors that reflect the building's premium positioning.
What makes this deal particularly significant for investors is the broader implication for Poland's retail real estate sector. Rock Capital's willingness to commit to premium office space suggests strong confidence in the domestic consumption story, particularly relevant as international investors increasingly view Poland as a defensive play amid economic uncertainty across Europe. The company's strategy of developing community-focused retail parks positions it well for the growing trend of experiential retail.
"It took us a long time to find a place that reflects Rock Capital's dynamism and ambitions. Choosing Metropolitan as our new headquarters was a deliberate decision. It's a prestigious address in the heart of Warsaw, offering top-tier office space," said Jakub Linka, CEO of Rock Capital. The Metropolitan Warszawa, located on Piłsudskiego Square adjacent to Saxon Garden, boasts BREEAM Excellent certification, WELL Health-Safety Rating, and WiredScore Platinum certification for digital connectivity.
People mentioned:
- Joanna Kowalska-Szymczak - Founder and CEO, EBRU Capital
- Barnaba Grzelecki - Founder, BIT CREATIVE studio
- Jakub Linka - CEO, Rock Capital
Companies mentioned:
- Rock Capital - Leading retail park developer and investor in Poland
- EBRU Capital - Asset managers of Metropolitan Warszawa
- BIT CREATIVE studio - Office design studio
- Neo-Świat - Fit-out contractor
- NOKE Architects - Common area design
- BNM Real Estate Advisory - Real estate advisory firm
- Metropolitan Warszawa - Landmark office building
- Lidl - Retail brand
- Rossmann - Retail brand
- Biedronka - Retail brand
- Sinsay - Retail brand
- Media Expert - Retail brand
- Pepco - Retail brand
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