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Skanska completes Nordic Light Trio office building in Budapest

Press release 9/2/2020 4:00 PM CET

Skanska Hungary delivered the third and final part of the already successfully operating Nordic Light complex in the 13th district. The fully leased property was divested to a South Korean investment trust, JR AMC already one year before its completion. Largest tenant of the property is Roche Services (Europe) Ltd. Advanced solutions in sustainability, design, digitization and comfort were applied during the development of Nordic Light Trio. The building is designed to support health and well-being of users and it will be the first WELL-certified project of Skanska in Hungary. Nordic Light Trio is aiming for a LEED Gold certification as well.

Nordic Light Trio

The newest building of the Nordic Light complex with seven floors offers 14 000 m2 total leasable area of class “A” office accommodation, 223 underground parking spaces and a landscaped garden of 2 400 m2. Located on Váci Corridor, the project is easily accessible by public transport - M3 Metro, Tram No 1 and several trolley lines are within comfortable reach - by bike or by a 10-minute car ride from the city centre. Nordic Light Trio is fully leased, the anchor tenant being Roche Services (Europe) Ltd and it is the first office asset in CEE that JR AMC, a South Korean investment fund acquired. 

“We are delighted and proud to deliver Skanska Hungary’s latest project, Nordic Light Trio. It is always an amazing experience to share the same values with our clients, and it is our pleasure to welcome our tenant, Roche Services (Europe) Ltd. in its new head office. We are together committed to the environment and innovation along with the health and safety of our employees as well as partners. Nordic Light Trio, the first project of ours to be WELL certified, was designed and built to offer qualitative characteristics to benefit the body and mind. Bicycle parking, showers and lockers for bikers along with a multifunctional public garden and green terraces encourage physical activities as well as opportunities for relaxation and boosting energy throughout the working day. Every part down to the smallest details has been designed to help people feel inspired. Outstanding success of Skanska Hungary team, with lots of hard work, commitment and valued contribution!” - said Alexandra Tomášková, EVP Operations Hungary & Czech Republic.

"We at Roche are beyond excited to finally occupy our brand-new office, which will unite us in our passion to build a better future. This is a highly anticipated milestone in our company’s history, as it was preceded by two years of intense planning and assessing the needs of our colleagues. Our new environment was designed - down to the smallest detail - to create an atmosphere which fits our purpose: to transform patients’ lives. The activity-based and innovative spaces support our company’s progressive vision. I am extremely proud of our project team whose commitment and enthusiasm guaranteed that our new office would be a perfect place to learn more, grow further and bring out the best in ourselves together, as a community. I am very grateful for everyone at Roche who contributed to this big step forward and the professionals at Skanska who made our visions come true.” – said Eve Bader, General Manager, Roche Services (Europe) Ltd.

“We would like to thank Skanska for its transparency and professionalism over the past year since signing in July 2019. Despite the drastic change in global circumstances that have affected and continue to affect billions worldwide, Skanska has been a very open partner, hence, we did not doubt the successful delivery of Nordic Light Trio for a moment. We wish our tenant, Roche Services (Europe) Ltd., continues to thrive and create great memories with all members in its new head office. JR AMC, together with UK asset management firm KFIM, looks forward to accompanying Roche Services through this journey ensuring full tenant satisfaction based on a close relationship. Lastly, I send my gratitude to all parties involved that enabled this great achievement: Skanska Hungary, Roche Services (Europe), KFIM and Partos & Noblet Hogan Lovells” – said Hyon Suk Jang, Managing Director, JR AMC Co., Ltd.

Alex Braithwaite, senior investment manager at KFIM commented: “We are delighted to have assisted JR AMC on what is our second successful acquisition in CEE together. Nordic Light Trio is a prime asset in Budapest’s main office corridor, with secure income from one of the world’s largest global pharmaceutical firms. Notwithstanding the challenges of Covid-19, the asset was delivered on time and to Grade A standard by Skanska, and in performance terms should be a strong addition to JR AMC’s portfolio.” Kevin Aitchison, CEO of KFIM commented, “We have worked with JR AMC on a number of projects in recent years and they have become one of our most valued clients. We look forward to doing more business with them in the future and we continue to seek assets with strong income fundamentals in the UK and Europe.”

Paulinyi & Partners designed Nordic Light Trio mindful of Skanska’s aim to develop futureproof workplaces that enhance co-creation in bright, comfortable, flexible working areas. The project prioritizes the human experience without compromising the environment and applies new ways of creating space in the busy city. A landscaped garden, with an area equal of 9 tennis courts, provides a place for office users and the local community to connect with nature and adds open space usable for work, meetings or breakout. Skanska installed nesting boxes for birds, planted 20 trees and more than 1100 bushes in the green areas, while rainwater is used to irrigate these plants. A new mural on the firewall of Nordic Light Trio enhances the pedestrian experience and highlights the landmarks of Budapest as well as the district. The property features a passageway reachable also by bike that creates a new safe cut through between Váci road and Véső street. Rooted in Skanska’s Scandinavian heritage, a cozy lobby with welcoming ambience completes the multifunctional environment of Nordic Light Trio. 

Nordic Light Trio is a next-generation smart building that sets new standards for the integration of intelligent functions. Smart features of the Connected by Skanska system allow users to access and move around the building using their smartphones. The virtual reception feature enables a touchless arrival for guests as well, visitors will receive invites along with QR codes. In the garage, license plate recognition offers a convenient and smooth parking solution. Touch-free functionalities enable avoiding contact with frequently used surfaces and assist the potential pandemic risk management.