BERLIN1: Laying the Foundation for Germany’s Digital Future

Anyone who has ever built something meaningful knows that laying the cornerstone is more than a ceremonial gesture. It is a commitment. In June, as we placed the first stone for BERLIN1 in Marienpark, we were not just marking the start of construction – we were reaffirming our belief in Germany as a sovereign digital powerhouse and our role in helping it get there.

Full Speed Ahead

At VIRTUS, we do not do vague ambitions. We do timelines. BERLIN1 is on track to go live in Q3 2026, and our teams are moving at full speed to make that happen. This is not just about building another data centre. It is about delivering critical infrastructure for AI and cloud services that Germany, and Europe, urgently need.

A Strategic Bet on Berlin

Some might say putting €900 million into Marienpark and another €3 billion into Wustermark is bold. We agree. But bold does not mean reckless. It means recognising that Berlin is no longer a 'maybe someday' market. It is a now market. The demand is here. The policy support is here. And the talent is here. This is the largest investment by a UK-based firm in Germany this decade, and we are just getting started. It meant a lot to have both German and UK government officials with us at the ceremony. Their presence underlined something we have always believed: local infrastructure matters. And local operators who understand the market, the regulations, and the people are best placed to deliver it.

Creating the Future, Together

We are not just building for capacity. We are building for community. BERLIN1 will provide waste heat for around 9,000 homes in Berlin. It will run on 100 percent renewable energy. It will feature a green façade, solar PV, and EV charging. Sustainability is not a side project. It is part of the blueprint.

We are creating around 100 highly skilled jobs in Germany. But more than that, we are creating a platform for innovation. For AI. For cloud. For the next generation of digital services that will shape how we live and work.

© Leo Seidel

At VIRTUS, we are not just laying stones. We are laying the groundwork for a sovereign, sustainable, and scalable digital future in Germany. And we are doing it together.