WDP plans new data center in Ştefăneştii de Jos, enhancing Romania's logistics landscape

WDP has initiated plans for a new data center in the Ştefăneşti de Jos area, marking a significant step in the evolution of Romania's logistics market. The project, which is part of the 'WDP Park Bucureşti – Ştefăneşti III' urban planning scheme, aims to establish a facility for data storage and energy transformation, complete with administrative and technical annexes.

The application for environmental approval has been submitted to the Ilfov Environmental Protection Agency, and the project is currently in the urban planning and environmental assessment stage. The documentation outlines plans for concrete platforms, access roads, parking areas, fencing, utility connections, and green spaces.

Located in one of WDP's most important parks in Romania, the land targeted for this development includes five parcels in the Ştefăneşti de Jos commune. WDP, the second largest player in Romania's logistics market after CTP, has approximately 400,000 square meters of existing space in the Ştefăneşti area, developed in phases named Ştefăneşti I, II, III, and IV.

Gijs Klomp, WDP's business development manager, explained that the company has recently acquired a large plot adjacent to the existing Ştefăneşti II park. This strategic move aligns with WDP’s goal of expanding its logistics capabilities, especially with the growing demand for data centers in the region. Notably, while CTP operates several data centers in other markets, Romania remains an untapped opportunity for such facilities.

Despite the potential, the local industrial market faced challenges in Q2, with a negative net absorption of 35,200 square meters. However, the overall demand remains robust, with gross demand reaching 328,800 square meters in the same period. The current rental rates in Romania are the lowest among six analyzed markets in Central and Eastern Europe, offering a unique opportunity for further investment.

As both WDP and CTP continue to invest in energy infrastructure, including photovoltaic systems on rooftops, the conversation around energy solutions has become increasingly relevant, particularly given the rising electricity prices in Romania. Klomp emphasized that the requirements for fire safety are also at the higher end of the spectrum in Europe, indicating a commitment to quality and safety in their developments.

The project at Ştefăneşti III is not just about expanding logistics capabilities; it's also about meeting the growing needs for data management and storage in an increasingly digital world. With public feedback being welcomed for the next 15 days, WDP is poised to make a significant impact on Romania's industrial landscape.