Listed real estate company Aroundtown has achieved significant letting success at the Newton House office building in Utrecht. The company has signed two long-term leases for a total area of around 3,500 square metres. Dutch law and notary firm AVVR Advocaten Notariaat and a pension fund will move into the property as new occupiers.
The property is located in the Rijnsweerd Noord office park in the east of Utrecht and was designed by New York architectural practice Rietveld Architects. Situated between the city centre and Utrecht Science Park, the location benefits from an established business and research environment. Transport connectivity is provided via the A12, A27 and A28 motorways, alongside direct public transport links to Utrecht Central Station.
Comprehensive repositioning and modern service concept
The new lettings follow a systematic development and repositioning of the property by Aroundtown. Substantial sections of the building were refurbished and shared communal areas selectively upgraded. The entrance area was transformed into a spacious, multifunctional lounge that serves as an informal meeting point, while the staff restaurant underwent a comprehensive modernisation.
The range of services in the building extends well beyond traditional office accommodation and includes:
- —A staffed reception area as well as a coffee bar and grab-and-go catering options
- —A modernised staff restaurant, a bar and an outdoor terrace
- —Conference and meeting rooms as well as a dedicated auditorium for events
- —Valet parking services and charging points for electric vehicles in the car park
Energy efficiency and certification standards
A key element of Newton House is its sustainable energy concept, certified BREEAM Very Good. At the heart of the building services is a thermal energy storage system that utilises seasonal temperature variations: surplus heat from summer operations is stored for the heating period in winter, while winter cold is stored to cool the building during the summer. Rooftop photovoltaic installations generate electricity for on-site consumption, reducing grid dependence and operating costs.
The technical specification is complemented by mechanical ventilation with integrated cooling, energy-efficient LED lighting and a modern climate control system. By 2027, the property is also expected to meet the Paris Proof standard, further lowering operational energy demand. Aroundtown was advised by Bright Real Estate Advisors on the transaction with AVVR, while Cushman & Wakefield acted on the letting to the pension fund.
