VIRTUS Data Centres
Infrastructure
| Sector | Infrastructure |
| Sub-sector | Digital infrastructure |
| Location | United Kingdom |
Newly created data must be securely transmitted, processed and stored, which will drive further demand for high-capacity digital infrastructure. In the European Union, more than 45 per cent of enterprises now use cloud computing services such as those provided by leading global hyperscalers (public cloud) or smaller service providers (private and hybrid cloud).2 With further rapid growth expected amongst hyperscale and enterprise clients,3 Macquarie is leveraging its digital infrastructure and energy expertise to support a leading UK-based data centre operator expand across Europe.
During the investment process, Macquarie Asset Management (MAM) worked closely with STT GDC to develop a strategic roadmap focused on accelerating VIRTUS’ growth into continental Europe. MAM’s presence in Europe and its portfolio of utility businesses and experience in investing in green energy complemented STT GDC's strong track record in operating and developing new data centres. This collaboration has resulted in ~378 MW of new data centre projects being secured by VIRTUS since early 2023 across the UK and Europe.
VIRTUS’ portfolio now comprises of 11 operational facilities with a combined capacity of 185 MW, with additional capacity of 43 MW coming online by early 2026. The overall platform, including the sites under development, is ~600 MW across the UK, Germany and Italy.4
Outcome
It will invest approximately £1 billion in its Saunderton Campus in Buckinghamshire to deliver 75 MW of additional IT capacity to support the further development of the UK’s digital economy. The site will comprise four data centres, with the first due to be ready for service in late 2026. This AI-ready, mega-scale data centre project will feature high-capacity infrastructure, use the latest cooling technology, and operate on renewable energy.5
Having established itself in the UK market, VIRTUS is seeking to expand into neighbouring European markets - including by developing a ~204 MW Wustermark data centre mega campus in Brandenburg, west of Berlin. Upon completion, this will be among Europe's largest data centre campuses, in a prime data centre location.6
Strategically located next to a large substation with significant onshore windfarm capacity, the Wustermark campus has the ability to absorb excess local renewable energy that would otherwise be lost. Additionally, waste heat from the campus can be used for heating by the local municipality. VIRTUS’ efforts to reduce the carbon footprint are expected to make the campus attractive to clients seeking high-capacity, sustainable digital infrastructure in one of Europe’s fastest-growing data centre markets.6
operational portfolio4
operational facilities
of new data centre projects secured
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