Eiti prie turinio 
On Thursday, 13 November, the newest business centre "Hero" officially opened its doors in Vilnius. A large number of people, including politicians, business leaders, representatives of state institutions and cultural representatives, gathered for the festive event.
Welcoming the guests to the event, Julius Dovidonis, CEO of Realco, the company that built Hero, said that seven years ago he and his team had set an ambitious goal to create a business centre that was much more than just square metres and the latest technical specifications.
"We decided from the outset that the focus of this business would be on people - their wellbeing, health and creativity. A month ago, this building was still a building - the work was finished, but there was still no life in it. Tonight, the business centre has truly come to life. It has been given life by all of you who are here today - your emotions, ideas and creativity," said Mr Dovidonis.
Culture Space
Minister of Culture Vaida Aleknavičienė, who attended the event, said that the new impressive space in the capital's central business district is a great example of what business, culture and art can create together. She greeted the gathering with words by Mikolaj Konstantinas Čiurlionis.
"We need to have an inner light to be able to shine on those standing in the dark on the road. And that when they see that light, they can go their own way and spread that light to others," said the new Minister of Culture, wishing that the new business centre would not lack this light and would only give birth to the most beautiful ideas.
However, culture and art were also present at the opening ceremony, which was co-organised by Elitaz, a creative house celebrating its 20th anniversary: the guests of the evening were able to enjoy a performance by dancers from the Aura Dance Theatre and a concert by Monica Liu. At the same time, the 70th World Press Photo exhibition was opened, which will be on display for three weeks, until 5 December, in the business centre.
A prestigious exhibition in a prestigious space
Gabrielė Burbienė, Marketing Manager of 15min Group, who organised the exhibition, reminded that this exhibition reflects and emphasises one of the main features of journalism - capturing important moments, raising uncomfortable questions and the constant search for the truth.
Thanking all those who contributed to the organisation of the exhibition, as well as the Hero Business Centre, which provided the space for the exhibition, G. Burbienė invited everyone to see more, think deeper, feel more sincerely.
"It is very symbolic that we are opening our doors with the World Press Photo exhibition. The focus of the exhibition is on people, their experiences, their hope, their courage - that's what the Hero Business Centre is about. This project required a lot of patience, care and attention. There were challenges, but we always followed the direction we set and now we have a result that will be significant not only for us as a company, but, I believe, for the city as a whole," said Mr Dovidonis.
Thanking the project team, partners, shareholders, designers, builders and all other people who contributed to the business centre project, the Realco CEO added that he believes that the real success is not measured by the speed and efficiency of construction, but by how projects are integrated into the society, how they strengthen Lithuanian business and the well-being of people.
About Hero Business Centre
"Hero is the first business centre in Lithuania to obtain two international sustainability and healthy building certificates, WELL Gold and Breeam Excellent, according to whose parameters Hero has integrated proven technical and engineering systems that guarantee high quality.
Various wellness solutions are also integrated into the infrastructure of the business centre itself. For example, there is a dedicated Wellness Walk staircase to encourage employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator. There is also a 300-metre-long jogging track on the roof of the fourth floor around the perimeter of the building. On the ground floor, staff will be greeted by drinking water stations and daily fresh fruit and vegetable collections.
The business centre is already home to Sirin Development, one of the largest logistics real estate developers in the Baltic States, the technology company Wire Salad, the restaurant Mylios and the early childhood education school Eureka. International real estate consultancy Colliers, one of the leaders in integrated legal services in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, COBALT and other companies providing various services will soon start a new phase of their operations in the Hero Centre.
