INTERVIEW WITH MARTIJN KOCK, SENIOR ASSET MANAGER AT CBRE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

"A FUTURE-PROOF WTC DEMANDS ONGOING INVESTMENT'' 

For this Real Estate issue of Hello Zuidas we caught up with Martijn Kock, a young real estate talent and senior asset manager at CBRE Investment Management who oversees World Trade Center Amsterdam, a complex housing 350 tenants. Martijn told us about his job, CBRE IM’s strategic priorities and upcoming developments at WTC.  

Can you tell us something about your current role within CBRE IM and how you got here? “I have worked at CBRE IM for ten years now, starting out as a portfolio analyst, which involved lots of working with numbers, Excel sheets and PowerPoints for investors. I learned a great deal but missed interacting with people. When an opportunity came up to support asset management, I grabbed it. From there I advanced to asset manager myself, first in Utrecht and later in The Hague and Amsterdam. Eventually I was given responsibility for WTC Amsterdam, a crowning achievement. This is a complex, dynamic and iconic property with 350 tenants spread across nine towers. No two days are the same, and that’s what makes it so exciting.” 

What’s the principle focus of CBRE IM’s current strategy? “Our strategy is centred on three core principles: best location, best product and a strong focus on sustainability. We track market trends such as hybrid working and what makes workplaces appealing. Employers are finding it hard to attract talent, and at WTC Amsterdam we want to help shape an environment in which people enjoy spending their time. Accessibility plays an essential part of this. WTC occupies one of the best-connected locations in the country, which will only get better with the future completion of Zuidasdok.” 

What developments are in the works at WTC Amsterdam?  “At the moment we’re investing in the renovation of Towers 5, 7 and 8, which are the oldest in the complex. We’re stripping the offices and installing new technical systems, sanitary facilities and lifts. After that, the building will be good to go for another 25 years. We’re also pursuing sustainability on all fronts: measuring energy consumption to the nth degree and connecting a third thermal energy system to reduce our natural gas consumption. Apart from that, we also want to strengthen WTC’s community role by putting together events and activities.” 

What measures are being taken to keep WTC future-proof and attractive for tenants?  “Ongoing investment is crucial. That means maintaining building quality, on the one hand, and responding to trends, on the other. We offer flexible workspaces through HOFF Offices and are investing in hospitality and additional services like a hairdresser, food outlets and sport facilities. We’re also investing in community building. For example, by hosting events like our Lunch of Love last year, with 750 guests. Our three-day Winter event on Zuidplein was also a big hit. And just recently we hosted a wine tasting for tenants in the HOFF Offices boardroom. We want WTC to be a place that’s fun to go to, not only to work but also to connect with other people.” 

HOFF Offices in WTC is often cited as a big success story in Zuidas. What makes this flexible high-end office concept so special? 

“HOFF Offices responds to growing demand for flexible office spaces. They offer high-end offices with hotel-level services, from reception desk to catering, in Tower 10, which is one of the most sustainable buildings in Zuidas. Their occupancy rate of 85 per cent is exceptionally high and proof that their concept works.” 

NoMA House on Gustav Mahlerlaan is also in CBRE IM’s portfolio. How is this property performing relative to other office buildings? 

“NoMA House is one of the newest and most sustainable buildings in our portfolio. It has a BREEAM Outstanding certification and all the most advanced air filters and energy-saving systems, which is attracting prominent tenants such as Kraft Heinz. Almost all of NoMA House has been leased since its completion, confirming the property’s strong position.” 

Having worked at CBRE IM for ten years, you’ve been able to see how Zuidas has changed. How would you characterise the district’s evolution? 

“I have known Zuidas since I was a kid, when I still played tennis tournaments at Dickie’s Squash & Tennis. Zuidas has transformed since then from strictly a business district to a mixed-use area with offices, housing and restaurants. That’s a positive development and has brought more life to the area. But there’s still more to be done, especially in terms of planting and placemaking. We need to keep the area attractive, including during long-running infrastructure projects like Zuidasdok.” 

Do you have any ideas or suggestions about how to make Zuidas an even more appealing place to visit and live than it is now? 

“More planting and better public spaces are essential. The Zuidasdok development is also bringing opportunities, but we need to make an effort to keep the area alive during this transition, and that means working with the municipality and other property owners. We’re already working together on initiatives to activate Zuidplein, for example through investments in restaurants and events. If we do it right, Zuidas will continue to be an attractive place for working, living and leisure.” 
 

Text: Romy Lange 
Photography: Roxanne Wilm