Skanska has commenced construction on an office project in the heart of Krakow, the High Five complex located on Pawia Street. The project will be a complex of five office buildings and will be open to both the city and local communities.
After completion, the five buildings will offer a total of 70,000m² of leasable space. High Five benefits from its close proximity to Krakow Główny railway station and accessibility by public transportation and bicycle routes. Employees will be able to reach the complex by train, bus, bike, tram and electric car. A dedicated concierge will be at the tenants’ disposal. Ultimately, the complex will be adjusted to the needs of approximately 7,000 people.
The first phase of construction will include two office buildings (buildings D and E) with a combined GLA of 28,000m² located between the Ibis Hotel and Galeria Krakowska, and 175 parking places. The two buildings will comprise six floors above ground, with the garage of building D on the ground floor and one level underground, and the garage of building E on two underground levels.
The scheme’s general contractor is Skanska S.A. The project's architect is Moon Studio. Skanska Property Poland is responsible for its commercialisation. The scheduled completion date for the project is Q4 2017.
“Our aim was to re-shape this underused area of the city. We want to achieve this goal by developing exceptional architecture which will seamlessly fit in with the character of Krakow. Thanks to innovative solutions and our open approach towards placemaking, we will be able to develop a project that provides a comfortable working environment and a relaxing location for people who want to spend some 'down time'. I am sure that our project will generate a great deal of energy and boost the city’s development,” explained Arkadiusz Rudzki, managing director at Skanska Property Poland.
“High Five complex will become an architectural gateway leading to the heart of Krakow and a place indicating the strict city centre. The project corresponds with its surrounding areas, such as the building of Technical University of Krakow and the clinker brick elevation of adjacent buildings. The nobility of materials used in the façade and their colour wash will comply with the centre’s historical context. The urban development will comprise an open and welcoming space decorated with passer-by-friendly squares and passages. A roofed passage will be developed along the square frontage of Pawia Street and it will include restaurants, cafes and places to relax and for leisure time activities. With its aesthetics and openness towards residents, High Five will fill out this part of the city and will encourage Krakow’s residents to return here,” said Piotr Nawara, president at nsMoonStudio.
