"VEF KVARTĀLS" restores the buildings and territory of the historical VEF factory with respect for the industrial heritage, creating a modern environment for business, new ideas and contemporary cultural events. "We try to preserve the industrial flavour in every restored building, in every cleaned-up block," says Māris Alberts, Member of the Board of VEF Kvartāls. "We try to make sure that we don't throw out any old bricks, that we keep every board, every piece of iron. This way we preserve history, reduce construction costs and create architectural flavour. It's the feeling that's important for people."
"VEF has been one of the largest companies in Latvia and its history is inseparable from our own, our parents' and grandparents' experiences. Although VEF ceased to exist as a manufacturing company at the end of the 1990s, the creative, innovative spirit is still present in the area, which suggests a sense of continuity. Many of the new information technology companies operating in the VEF area are taking inspiration from the achievements of the former factory, choosing VEF QUARTAL as the home for their new businesses." says the VEF History Museum.
Currently, more than 60 companies and service providers have chosen VEF KVARTĀL as their creative home, creating a successful synergy with concept stores, bars and event venues both indoors and outdoors. VEF QUARTAL offers exclusive loft-style offices - former industrial/manufacturing spaces with large windows and brick finishes - that have been modernised for today's office needs, with an emphasis on sustainable construction and the use of recycled materials. The comfortable and modern space with its unique aura and location is what is most appreciated by the existing tenants - Miele, Ozols, VEFRESH, Cinevera, Euronics, Feja, RR, Veizāns Dance School, Intrum Global Technologies, Power Production, Bono, Dentsu, UPS, Harmony Home, Optibet Virslīga, Dizaina Fabrika and many others. Offices, shops, restaurants, showrooms can find their right place here.
Entrepreneur Maris Alberts says: "VEF KVARTĀLS is a place where there is room for thought. From one thought come many creative ideas, which we realise and develop every day in VEF QUARTALS, so that VEF QUARTALS becomes an epicentre of business and creativity, where quality culture and the fruits of our residents' work can be enjoyed together."
VEF KVARTĀLS invites you to use its historic charm and modern environment not only for business, but also to celebrate festivals and organise concerts, conferences, street-food markets, exhibitions and creative events. The outdoor space will be suitable for large-format events - the landscaped VEF Promenade between the historic walls with a total capacity of up to 2,500 guests, as well as the industrial VEF Summerhouse Hall, which opened this summer - a 600 m2 event space. For smaller events, the cosy VEF Mansard, designed by the quarter's resident Baiba Prindule-Rence, is available. The VEF Spīdola Chamber Hall, which can accommodate 200 guests, will reopen in the autumn after acoustic and interior design improvements.
This summer, a series of acoustic concerts by local musicians brought the newly opened VEF Pavilion to life, which will be expanded next summer season by landscaping the area and creating a VEF 'Food Court' and kiosk area with food options, a garden and stage, a playground that can be used for private and public events. This summer, perhaps the most beautiful public toilets in Latvia were built with the comfort of public event attendees in mind.
VEF KVARTĀLS is a historic place that is developing and growing - in 2024 it is planned to expand the quarter with a new building on three floors, offering office and commercial space for rent with a total area of 3000 m2. Architect Zane Tetere-Šulce and her team "OAD" are continuing their work on the architectural development of the quarter, while landscape architect Ģirts Runis, in cooperation with VEF QUARTALS, is carrying out landscaping works - solar panels are being installed and electric charging stations are being set up.
