WPP is to create a campus in Prague, bringing together 12 of its agencies under one roof.
The new office will see one of the most architecturally-important Functionalist buildings in Prague, Bubenská 1, extensively renovated and house up to 1,500 of WPP’s people.
When it opens in 2021 it will be the latest of WPP’s major office co-locations, which include Amsterdam, Madrid and Milan. WPP’s “campus” strategy creates world-class working environments, fosters collaboration and gives clients simple access to the best talent, creative work and integrated solutions.
WPP has agreed a long-term lease agreement with CPI Property Group, taking over two thirds (16,316 m2) of the lettable space in the former Prague Electricity Company building. Originally designed by Adolf Benš and Josef Kříž and built between 1927 and 1935 on the grounds of a former hat factory, the iconic building has been a creative hub popular with local architects, fashion designers and artists.
Bubenská 1 will undergo an extensive refurbishment in line with conservation requirements and in keeping with its cultural importance as a protected, historically-significant building. Its façade tilework will be sensitively preserved as part of the complete overhaul, alongside two unique “paternoster” elevators.
BDG architecture + design, a WPP company, will redesign the interior office space, complementing and incorporating many of the existing features, in collaboration with CPI’s architects.The redevelopment will see the surrounding area also revitalised and together with WPP as the majority tenant, will further establish Bubenská 1 as the creative centre of Prague.
Mark Read, Chief Operating Officer of WPP, said: “It’s important that we offer our people the best working environments that allow them to do the best and most creative work. “Crucially, bringing together our agencies in one location presents greater opportunities for closer, more agile collaboration, and maximises our offer to clients by providing better access to WPP’s talent and expertise.”
In the Czech Republic, WPP companies (including associates) currently generate revenues of over US$100 million and employ over 1,200 people (including freelancers).
