Perfect storage space – does it even exist?
It exists, but it is rare. Large corporations producing on a large scale have modern warehouse infrastructure with huge space and adapted to the requirements and needs of a given business. These halls are usually built from scratch, and already at the design stage the layout of individual zones and communication routes is determined, as well as the appropriate location and marking of the space for storing goods.
However, small and medium-sized enterprises usually have problems with insufficient warehouse infrastructure. This situation is influenced by market, technical and financial factors. The cost of constructing a warehouse hall with an area of 500 sq m exceeds PLN 1 million. It should be added to the expenses related to equipment and development of the surrounding area, not to mention the cost of purchasing the plot for the warehouse. For many companies, this is an insurmountable financial barrier.
Storage space: what is used in practice?
In the case of small entities that do not need so much storage space - the storage function is usually taken over by unused rooms located in the back (in the case of offices and service points). They are often inadequate to the needs of a given activity, making them overloaded, cramped and dark (due to high boxes).
In the case of manufacturing or trading companies, warehouse space may be located in halls, hangars, in part of a commercial building, and - if the specific nature of the materials allows - in storage yards. Most enterprises decide to adapt existing buildings: they may be post-industrial halls, old factories, office and warehouse buildings or former state farms (state-owned agricultural farms). Adaptation may also apply to other facilities that have appropriate area and height, access to the road and loading space, as well as the possibility of installing shelves and storage equipment. This solution is often much cheaper than purchasing a suitable plot of land for a warehouse and then building warehouse infrastructure.
Warehouse space and its adaptation for a new type of business
Warehouses that were built as a result of changing the purpose of an existing building have certain architectural limitations resulting from, for example, unfavorable layout of rooms or insufficient space. As a result, such warehouses are much noisier and more crowded than in modern halls. However, many companies deal with this problem by properly optimizing the use of warehouse space . Higher shelves and separation of functional zones allow for more effective use of the available space.
Another issue is the standard of the rooms: buildings that are to be adapted to a new function are often old and neglected due to their temporary exclusion from use, so they often require revitalization. Its degree depends on the financial outlays of the new owner. In addition to successful and impressive adaptations, there will also be warehouses that, due to significant savings, have an unsightly appearance and poorly arranged space.
Where to look for adaptable buildings?
Orange's real estate - in addition to plots for a warehouse - includes office and warehouse buildings belonging to the company, which are no longer needed due to technological development. They have attractive locations - in the center of small towns or on their outskirts. The prices of these properties are lower than the market prices, which is due to the existing telecommunications infrastructure - e.g. cabling in the ground or in the building. If the owner changes, it must be retained in its original form (Orange pays an appropriate fee to the new owner for access to it). If you want to learn more about them, be sure to use our real estate offer search engine .