Stokado opens first self-storage facility in Kraków

Stokado, Poland’s second-largest self-storage operator, has opened its first facility in Kraków, marking an important step in the company’s nationwide expansion. The building, located on Sosnowiecka Street near the Bronowice shopping center and large residential districts, offers more than 5,000 square meters of net lettable area and introduces new standards of customer service and sustainability to the Polish market.

This is Stokado’s first development completed since its acquisition in 2023 by Griffin Capital Partners and Redefine Properties (JSE: RDF). The project is also the first self-storage building in Poland to achieve BREEAM certification from the design and construction phase, rather than the In-Use standard applied to existing facilities. The facility received a “Very Good” rating, supported by features such as photovoltaic panels, a heat pump, and LED lighting to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.

The fourth-generation self-storage building is designed to meet the needs of both individual and business users. Customers can access the facility 24/7, supported by a mobile app that enables them to manage rentals, payments, and access. On-site services include a staffed reception, guided tours, and the option to use additional features such as parcel drop-off and collection. The facility also provides a large loading zone, transport trolleys, and a packing materials shop.

Pieter Prinsloo, Chief Executive Officer of Redefine Europe BV, said the new facility highlights the difference between self-storage and conventional warehouses. “Stokado’s facilities are purpose-built with the end user in mind. They offer a variety of unit sizes, advanced security with 24/7 CCTV, electronic access controls, and individual unit alarms, providing both convenience and peace of mind,” he said.

Piotr Fijołek, Co-Managing Partner at Griffin Capital Partners, underlined the market potential. “While there are around 9,500 self-storage facilities in Europe, Poland has only about 200. Since acquiring Stokado in 2023, we’ve focused on expanding in key urban areas. Our ambition goes beyond Kraków and Warsaw, with new projects already underway in other cities. By the end of 2025, we expect to break ground on three more facilities, each designed to minimize environmental impact and maximize customer convenience.”

Stokado’s expansion is based on a fully digitalized operating model. Customers can manage rentals, bookings, and contracts online, reinforcing the platform’s emphasis on flexibility and efficiency. With its latest opening in Kraków, Stokado strengthens its position as a leading player in Poland’s emerging self-storage sector while advancing sustainability and customer-focused innovation.