Polish self-storage operator pushes forward with ambitious growth plan as demand for modern storage solutions surges across the region.
Stokado, the second-largest player in Poland's rapidly growing self-storage market, has broken ground on its second development in Kraków. The new facility will offer over 3,000 m² of net lettable area (NLA) and is strategically positioned on the bustling Nowohucka Street adjacent to the M1 shopping centre, providing exceptional visibility from Cracow's third ring road.
The development, scheduled for completion in spring 2026, represents another step in Stokado's aggressive expansion strategy following its acquisition in 2023 by Redefine Properties, Griffin Capital Partners, and the company's founders. The facility will feature full automation, 24/7 access, and target BREEAM Very Good certification with sustainable elements including photovoltaic panels, LED lighting, and heat pump technology.
"Stokado currently operates self-storage facilities in 12 cities across Poland. Following the acquisition of the company in 2023, we have focused on further expansion, particularly in Warsaw and other key cities, including Kraków," said Pieter Prinsloo, Chief Executive Officer of Redefine Europe BV. "Evidence of the successful implementation of this strategy can be seen in two projects secured last year – one in Warsaw's Bemowo district and the other in Kraków's Bronowice, which will be completed this summer. Now, our portfolio is expanding with a new facility in Cracow, and in the coming months, we plan to announce additional ambitious projects."
Griffin Capital Partners Co-Managing Partner Piotr Fijołek highlighted the sector's untapped potential: "The self-storage market in Poland is still far from saturation, and the demand for modern, well-located facilities that meet environmental standards is growing both from customers and investors. In addition to Warsaw and Kraków, we are also focusing on other cities that offer substantial development potential in this segment. We have already secured several plots of land for future investments. We plan to begin construction on four new facilities by the end of this year across various locations in Poland, which will enable us to better meet the increasing market demand."
Notably for investors, Poland's self-storage penetration rate remains significantly below Western European averages, suggesting substantial growth runway as household and business storage needs evolve in the region. Industry analysts project the Polish market could support a 3-4x increase in facilities before approaching UK saturation levels, making early movers like Stokado well-positioned to capitalise on this expanding market opportunity.
Stokado currently manages over 28,000 m² of NLA across 20 locations, serving approximately 3,000 private and business customers throughout Poland.
People mentioned:
- Pieter Prinsloo - Chief Executive Officer of Redefine Europe BV
- Piotr Fijołek - Co-Managing Partner at Griffin Capital Partners
Companies mentioned:
- Stokado - Second largest operator in the Polish self-storage industry
- Redefine Properties (JSE: RDF) - South African-based Real Estate Investment Trust
- Griffin Capital Partners - Largest privately-owned investment and asset manager in private equity and real estate in CEE
