I live in a village not unlike the ones near some of our sites, so when I talk about data centres, I’m not speaking from a distant boardroom. I’m considering things from my personal perspective and thinking about the local communities, the people who live and work near them as well as the kind of future I would like for the next generation. In a world of streaming, online banking, digital GP appointments and AI tools that are becoming part of everyday life, data centres are the backbone that keeps it all running. They process, store and protect the information and systems that power modern life. Without enough of them here in the UK, we risk slower services, greater reliance on overseas providers, and a digital economy that feels less secure and less ours. These things are important to us all. Whether you’re watching a film on a Friday night, running a small business from home, or relying on hospital systems that need to stay online, data centres are critical to making these things work. They’re not abstract or new technology. They’re the reason the lights stay on for the digital part of life.

VIRTUS, together with 50Hertz Transmission GmbH and GWV-Ketzin, invited residents of the settlement by the substation to an information event. With construction on the campus already under way, VIRTUS wanted to give local residents an early opportunity to learn about the project. Many guests took the opportunity to ask questions and speak directly with the VIRTUS and 50Hertz teams. Holger Schreiber, Mayor of Wustermark, also joined the event. The local volunteer fire department helped create a welcoming atmosphere by hosting a barbecue. VIRTUS thanks everyone who attended for the open and helpful exchange, and looks forward to continuing the dialogue as the project progresses.

Two fire department celebrations, two anniversaries. The Wustermark fire department unit celebrated its 120th anniversary on June 6, 2026, while the Hoppenrade unit marked its 100th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Virtus Data Centers supported both events with a financial donation. We would like to extend our special thanks to Mayor Holger Schreiber, Municipal Fire Chief Jürgen Scholz, and the local fire department support associations for their excellent collaboration.

The Saunderton development will contribute approximately £20 million in planning-related funding over a ten-year period, supporting infrastructure, community facilities and local services across the area.

Community support often comes in unexpected forms. When Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club needed assistance removing waste following improvement works, VIRTUS arranged for its lorries to collect and remove the material, proving that being a good neighbour is often about practical support as much as financial investment.

More than half of the Saunderton site (around 25 acres) has been retained as natural habitat and open space. These areas are managed to enhance biodiversity, providing habitats for local wildlife and supporting a richer, more resilient natural ecosystem.

VIRTUS is proud to sponsor the ladies' and junior teams at Bledlow Ridge Cricket Club, helping to support participation, development and inclusivity within local sport.