Turn-key, digitally too: Fresch Real Estate and IT-Label join forces

Your own business unit: sustainable, presentable and delivered turn-key. But can you get online on day one? That question is exactly why the IT-Label exists. Fresch Real Estate, the developer behind the new-build concepts STOCK Nederland and Loods Nederland, is therefore going to work with us.

The fourth utility

Modern business units are appearing all over the Netherlands. More and more small and medium-sized businesses are choosing their own space that combines work, storage, showroom and office. They want to get started quickly, without surprises afterwards.

Electricity, water and heating are a natural part of any new-build project. Internet and IT infrastructure are still regularly seen as the tenant's business. That is only partly true. Tenants choose their own provider and set up their own network. But what has actually been arranged at handover? Which connections are there? And what does the tenant still need to organise before they can start work?

A commercial building can be as attractive as you like: without good digital facilities, the business still comes to a standstill. That is why we call IT the fourth utility.

What Fresch wants to achieve

Fresch develops flexible, multifunctional business spaces for entrepreneurs. Through this collaboration, the developer wants to make the digital preparation and the delivery level of its projects more transparent. This is not only about what is in place, but above all about what the tenant can do with it and what may still be needed.

According to the developer, the division of tasks in Fresch's new-build projects is as follows:

• The developer includes data connections as standard in the application for utilities. Depending on the available infrastructure, the building is prepared for coax, fibre or both.
• The tenant remains free to arrange their own internet subscription and further IT set-up.

From business unit to multifunctional hub

Tenants are changing too, says Guido Schmitt, CEO and Partner at Fresch Real Estate:

"Our STOCK projects have long ceased to be rented exclusively by the local entrepreneur combining storage with a showroom or office. We are seeing more and more growth companies in e-commerce, media, business services and the tech sector. Also companies that work intensively with AI and depend on reliable connectivity. We want to serve them well. With us, you do not just rent a place for your own identity, but also the preparation for the connectivity your business needs."

Twelve buildings are already on our site

The first step has been taken. Twelve STOCK and Loods buildings are on our site with an expected level of IT4 CORE, such as STOCK Utrecht and Loods Fokkerstraat in Zoetermeer.

An expected level is an indication. It is based on a pre-inspection by IT-Label and on the way the building is delivered. The official IT-Label follows after an audit by a Certified Partner.

Digital infrastructure starts on the drawing board

The collaboration goes further than assessing what is already there. Fresch also wants to involve our knowledge in future new-build projects by STOCK and Loods. Where does the data infrastructure enter the building? What connection options are there? What capacity is available and what are the expected lead times? As with energy supply, Fresch believes these questions deserve attention during development.

Miquel van Dongen, chair of the IT-Label knowledge collective, sees the collaboration as an important step:

"This confirms exactly why IT-Label was created. A building is only truly usable when its digital facilities also match the intended use. Yet information about this is often limited when letting. Meanwhile, new connections, extensions and the availability of technical specialists are increasingly becoming challenges. By making clear in advance what the landlord provides and what the tenant has to arrange, you prevent surprises and create real added value."

What this means for you

Digital quality is not just a technical subject. It is also part of good property management, tenant service and the commercial position of a building.

• Are you going to rent? Before you sign, ask what has been arranged digitally and what you have to do yourself. In know what you rent you can read how a pre-inspection helps.
• Do you develop or let property? Make clear in advance what you provide and what the tenant arranges. A pre-inspection gives you a first picture.

Turn-key is a promise, but being operational starts with IT. Square metres provide space. Connectivity makes doing business possible.

More information

• Fresch Real Estate
• STOCK Nederland
• Loods Nederland

Photos: STOCK Nederland.