Why are established building campuses attractive to tenants? The key factors are the quality of long-term property management, ongoing investments in technology and the environment, and the ability to respond to tenants’ changing needs. A prime example is the Classic 7 office complex in Prague’s Holešovice district. Developer AFI continually invests both in its development and gradual modernization. With the arrival of SimplyUp Group s.r.o., the campus is now fully occupied. Long-term tenants include ESET software spol. s r.o. and HBO Europe s.r.o., whose offices have been located here since 2008, when AFI completed the first phase of Classic 7. All retail spaces within the campus are also fully leased, including a Billa supermarket, Pod Párou restaurant, a cafeteria, a hair salon, and other services.
"To maintain a project’s value over time, it is not enough simply to complete it successfully. As long-term owners, we continuously invest in the revitalization and development of our office complexes because we want them to appreciate in value over time. Tenant satisfaction is extremely important to us. That is why we take care of our tenants, strive to provide them with high-quality services, and organize various events that help create a friendly atmosphere and strengthen the informal community life within our office campuses. Approximately one-third of the tenants have been at Classic 7 since the individual buildings first opened, and they are still happy to be here," says Jan Baxa, Head of Office Asset Management at AFI Czech Republic.
Ongoing investments in technology and everyday comfort
In recent years, AFI has made substantial investments in the technical infrastructure, energy efficiency, and revitalization of common areas at Classic 7. Among the most significant investments was the installation of new cooling equipment in the campus’s two oldest buildings. In the near future, two main central air-handling units will also be replaced. Fan coil units (FCUs) in office spaces are being gradually replaced while the buildings remain fully operational, all elevators are being refurbished, and the campus is transitioning to LED lighting. This year, AFI has already completed the replacement of façade and outdoor lighting and is currently modernizing interior lighting. Long-term care for the campus also includes the refurbishment of exterior features. For example, AFI has already completed another phase of renovations to the wooden terraces. The quality of these sustainability measures and the operational efficiency of the Classic 7 buildings are confirmed by the BREEAM In-Use certification.
New tenant appreciates both the industrial character and flexibility
Classic 7 Business Park is currently fully occupied. The newest tenant is SimplyUp Group, which has leased 330 m² of office space. For more than 30 years, the company has helped organizations manage documents more efficiently. It provides printing solutions for corporate clients and implements systems for the digitalization and automation of business processes.
"Location was the key factor in our search for new office premises. We wanted to remain in Holešovice while also finding modern office space with a thoughtful and flexible layout. What attracted us to Classic 7 was the combination of the complex’s historic industrial character with modern office design and technological infrastructure. We also highly appreciate the flexible meeting-room solutions, which enable us to comfortably host customer meetings as well as technology seminars and professional presentations directly within our offices," explains Tibor Brunclík, Managing Director of SimplyUp Group s.r.o.
Offices located in one of Prague’s most attractive urban districts
Over the past decades, Holešovice has undergone a remarkable transformation from a former industrial district into a highly sought-after location for residential living, leisure activities, and work. This is largely due to its rich infrastructure, including a wide range of retail outlets, services, restaurants, cultural venues, and sports facilities. At the same time, Holešovice has retained its distinctive industrial genius loci, which continues to contribute to its attractiveness, together with the ongoing revitalization of public spaces. Further development is still underway, for example in the area surrounding the new Praha-Bubny railway station. Holešovice is Prague’s fourth-largest office hub, with nearly 300,000 m² of modern office space, representing almost one-tenth of the city’s total modern office stock.
The Classic 7 piazzetta as a meeting place for tenants and the wider local community
"Classic 7 is not focused solely on office functions. The piazzetta between its individual buildings provides a space for social interaction, events, and artistic presentations. Dance classes, for example, are held there on a regular basis. We strive to create an environment where people want to meet beyond the workplace. We also organize joint events for tenants, including sports activities, with the aim of strengthening the local office community," adds Jan Baxa.
AFI plans to continue modernizing the premises and developing community activities in the future. Further investments in building technologies and shared spaces will be implemented gradually, taking into account tenant needs and the operation of the campus as a whole.
More about Classic 7 Business Park
Classic 7 Business Park combines historic industrial design with first-class modern office facilities. The complex was created through the redevelopment of two buildings of the former Holešovice steam mill, whose history dates back to 1911.
The development was divided into three phases. The first phase was completed in 2008 and provides approximately 18,000 m² of leasable space within two renovated heritage-protected buildings connected by a modern extension. The second phase (Building L) expanded the campus at the end of 2012 by an additional 10,000 m². The third phase, offering 6,500 m² of leasable space (Building M), was completed in spring 2016. The complex also includes a piazzetta with relaxation zones designed not only for tenants but also for the general public.