SPEEDWELL: A disciplined approach to sustainable development

2025 brought strategic expansion for SPEEDWELL Development, both in Romania and abroad. Country Manager Yannick Van de Parre tells Business Review about how the company navigated a volatile fiscal environment, transforming market challenges into opportunities through a focus on high sustainability standards and diversified portfolio growth.

What were your company’s key achievements this year?

2025 was a year defined by resilience, disciplined execution, and strategic expansion. Despite a volatile fiscal and macroeconomic environment, we kept every major project on track. We advanced construction at Glenwood Estate, where the first homes in our lakeside sustainable community are nearing completion, and we delivered Phase 1 of The Meadows, a premium nZEB neighbourhood just minutes from the metro. At The Ivy, we finalised building C5 and initiated C8, strengthening our presence in the Baneasa area.

We also launched the residential component of Queens District—237 energy-efficient homes in one of Bucharest’s most connected areas—while the Queens District Office building secured its BREEAM Excellent Design Stage certification. Our industrial line, Spaceplus, continued to outperform expectations, with a second development now advancing in Popesti-Leordeni.

Internationally, we entered Poland with momentum: Milestone Warszawa Mokotów is under construction and already acknowledged regionally, while our first premium residential project in Gdańsk is in pre-launch. These achievements reflect a clear strategic direction: resilient projects, high sustainability standards, and disciplined operational management.

How important are ESG and sustainability aspects for your company today?

For us, ESG is not a trend; it is the operational backbone of every development. Buyers, tenants, and investors increasingly prioritise efficient, low-impact buildings—something we anticipated years ago. Our projects are designed to reduce energy consumption, integrate renewable sources, lower operational costs, and contribute positively to the urban fabric. Certifications such as BREEAM and nZEB are not mere badges; they are commitments we implement from design to delivery. In a market where quality and responsibility matter more than ever, sustainability has become a driver of both performance and long-term trust.

What proved most difficult to navigate from a management perspective this year?

The main challenge was the accumulation of pressures: fiscal uncertainty, shifts in VAT and property taxation, high financing costs, and administrative delays, especially in Bucharest. None of these were insurmountable individually, but together they required rigorous planning, multiple operational scenarios, and constant recalibration. Maintaining construction quality, delivery timelines, and financial discipline in such an environment demanded more managerial effort than in previous cycles. Yet this experience also confirmed the strength of a diversified portfolio and a strategy built on fundamentals rather than short-term sentiment.

Which trends, shifts, or risks do you expect to have the biggest impact on your industry in 2026?

The global challenge will remain the cost of capital, as high interest rates continue to shape investment decisions. Locally, 2026 will reveal the full impact of the recent fiscal package. Developers operating with thin margins or without strong fundamentals may face real difficulty. At the same time, we expect accelerated demand for energy-efficient homes, modern office spaces with lower operational costs, and mixed-use destinations aligned with 15-minute-city principles. Administrative predictability will continue to be the decisive factor. If regulatory clarity improves, 2026 could unlock significant opportunities; if not, the market will continue consolidating around well-capitalised, disciplined players.

How do you unwind after a demanding week?

After a busy week, I tend to unwind through movement and simplicity. I spend time outdoors whenever the weather allows: running, cycling, or even a long walk is enough to clear my mind. Physical activity resets my focus and helps me recharge for the week ahead.

What’s something interesting thing you’ve read, watched, or listened to in the past few months?

Recently, I’ve enjoyed a mix of reading and listening. Books and podcasts that explore leadership, urban development, or sustainability tend to catch my attention, but I also appreciate stories that take me completely out of my daily context. They offer perspective and keep curiosity alive.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

One thing people are often surprised to learn about me is how deeply I enjoy Romania’s mountain roads. The Transfagarasan, in particular, is a place I keep returning to. For someone who’s passionate about cars, it’s more than a scenic route; it’s an experience. The combination of engineering, landscape, and adrenaline is something I never get tired of.

Which public figure or thinker do you find inspiring right now?

I am drawn to thinkers who combine clarity with long-term vision, people focused on building systems rather than reacting to noise. Public figures who advocate for sustainable urban growth or responsible innovation resonate strongly with my own values, because they speak to the future we want to shape, not just the challenges we need to solve today.