WTC AMSTERDAM Always evolving to facilitate the latest occupier trends

More than thirty-five years after it was first built, World Trade Center Amsterdam is still the country’s largest office complex. And it continues to evolve as shown by the most recent and highly visible office addition Tower Ten. Behind the scenes a vast amount of work goes into maintaining the building to keep up WTC’s high standards in facilitating tenants and users. Martijn Kock, senior asset manager at CBRE Investment Management is dedicated to keeping the whole WTC complex running smoothly, together with property manager CBRE.

What is WTC Amsterdam doing to accommodate current and future office users?

“We’ve seen a massive shift in occupier trends. The whole outlook on offices has changed, and so have tenants’ and their employees’ expectations. It’s up to us to respond to that by offering flexibility in a sustainable and healthy office environment. At WTC Amsterdam you can start as a small one-man band in an own office or in a serviced office and expand through growth in time into, for example, an office space spanning two, three or more floors. And vice versa.

Of course, the building is only part of the equation. The setting is equally important. The WTC Amsterdam is in a vibrant location. A busy spot that draws people in. Zuidas has that magnetic effect. This is good, but we still need to monitor mobility and transportation choices. This area, including WTC Amsterdam, is easy to reach and we want to keep it that way. At the moment, we’re working on a mobility plan to continue incentivizing sustainable commuting while also maximizing access. To ensure that we continue meeting the needs and requirements of tenants.”

CBRE Investment Management has a strong focus on ESG. Can you tell us more about that, and how it’s incorporated in the WTC Amsterdam?

“For us, ESG and the E (environment) in particular, goes beyond obtaining the right labels for our buildings. So, yes, we’ve got a BREEAM Excellent label and a WELL Certificate will be in place shortly and yes we strive to become Paris Proof by 2035 for all our buildings. Though real sustainability is about more than that. Right now, we are working hard on the social aspect of ESG by building a community in the WTC Amsterdam. We’re doing that through the Social Club to connect tenants in many ways. By organizing get-togethers for drinks and (sports) events, launching an office app, as well as putting tenants in the spotlight, for example, by dropping by for a chat, celebrating anniversaries by bringing a bouquet of flowers or cake... Labels aside, sustainability is above all about forging long lasting relationships with the people around us, and that’s something we’re really trying to achieve.”

Tower Ten is the latest, brand-new addition to the WTC Amsterdam. How are leases progressing?

“Very well. We are up to around eighty percent in leasing commitments now! Of course, that’s because we finally have something tangible to show, which is how it always works. As soon as the floors are in and we can walk around and show prospective tenants the view, we’re off and running. And the location, building and the product do sort of sell themselves, too! We’re really creating an experience here. The continuous large-scale floors are easy to split up and all the facilities that you would expect from us, but with a touch more luxury, provided by HOFF Amsterdam as a beautiful business and conference location, plus offices with rooftop terraces and gardens.

HOFF Amsterdam will be the first business and conference location with a 5 star service level delivering an experience you would expect from a 5-star hotel. And, not to forget, a sizeable bike parking facility for our tenants, with space for 1,400 bikes. It’s not just a bicycle storage, though: it’s way more than that. There will be bike lockers for people with expensive e-bikes, space for cargo bikes, a repair station and even shower facilities for the die-hard cyclists. In summary, it promises to be a new level of convenience and comfort.”

CBRE Investment Management Martijn Kock, Senior Asset Manager martijn.kock@cbreim.com

“We have worked in sustainable energy transactions for a long time and ESG is in our DNA. Tower Ten holds a BREEAM NL Excellent New Construction certificate, so it is exceptionally sustainable on every front. Our Amsterdam office is the first in Eversheds Sutherlands’ global network to receive this certification. We are proud to set an example.”

Natascha

Geraedts

partner in administrative law & environmental and planning law, Real Estate section head

“HOFF offers high-end, flexible office solutions for tenants of Tower Ten. Meeting rooms, day and project workspaces and flexible expansions. HOFF has it all and stands for the ultimate workplace experience, amazing guests with its one-of-akind, lavish hospitality and personal service. Like our motto says: HOFFcourse! We can do it all...”

Sipke Feenstra Founder, HOFF Amsterdam