Wrocław as the logistics heart of Europe: Cushman & Wakefield’s report redefines the potential of Lower Silesia

20 february 2026

Wrocław as the logistics heart of Europe: Cushman & Wakefield’s report redefines the potential of Lower Silesia

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Wrocław is emerging as a key logistics and technology hub in the CEE region, offering operating conditions comparable to those in Germany and Czechia, with leasing costs up to 40% lower. According to Wrocław: A City of Business Opportunities, the latest report released by global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield, the capital of Lower Silesia is no longer merely an alternative border-region location but an advanced innovation hub where artificial intelligence, digital twins and e-commerce are leading the way.

With 5.3 million sqm of modern warehouse space, Wrocław has strengthened its position among the Big Five industrial markets in Poland. It beckons global giants with its strategic location within the Berlin–Prague–Warsaw triangle and its competitive pricing. While average annual base rents reach EUR 86 per sqm in Germany and EUR 90 per sqm in Czechia, Wrocław offers significantly lower rates of around EUR 55 per sqm.

Tech revolution: AI and digital twins in the service of efficiency

Wrocław’s warehouses are transforming from simple storage facilities into sophisticated technology centres, with the region increasingly being dubbed the “Silicon Valley” of Polish logistics. The report by Cushman & Wakefield highlights the widespread adoption of AI and digital twins. Virtual warehouse models enable simulations of peak sales scenarios without operational risk, boosting process efficiency by 20–40%.

Notably, the technological sophistication of Wrocław’s facilities goes hand in hand with the implementation of ESG goals. Smart Building systems use AI not only for logistics but also for active energy management and carbon footprint reduction – a key consideration for investment funds.

“Wrocław no longer competes solely on size. What attracts tenants today, particularly in the e-commerce and pharmaceutical sectors, is the opportunity to deploy the most sophisticated automation solutions here. The use of AI to optimise picking paths shortens processes by up to 30%, which – given the scale of operations of players such as SHEIN – is crucial for the profitability of the entire supply chain in Central Europe,” says Tomasz Bulej, Associate Industrial & Logistics Agency, Cushman & Wakefield.

Multimodality and the cold chain

“The region’s strength also lies in its unique infrastructure. Our report highlights the role of the intermodal terminal in Kąty Wrocławskie, which can accommodate trains of up to 740 metres in length and provides direct connections to China (via Małaszewicze) and to seaports. It is a key alternative for companies seeking stable supply chains beyond road transport,” adds Łukasz Osiewacz, Senior Negotiator, Industrial & Logistics Agency, Cushman & Wakefield.

Wrocław is also emerging as a major hub for highly specialised processes. The pharmaceutical sector is expanding rapidly, requiring cold chain logistics. The availability of modern BTS facilities enabling strict ambient temperature control (between +15°C and +25°C) confirms that the local market is well positioned to support even the most demanding logistics operations.

The labour market as a driver of automation

Paradoxically, record-low unemployment in Wrocław (2.3%) has become a catalyst for innovation. Labour shortages are forcing companies to invest in automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Experts emphasise that technology is not replacing humans but transforming the nature of their work. Access to more than 100,000 students creates a strong talent pipeline, providing warehouses with a new generation of specialists, including AI engineers and operators.

Today, modern facility management in Wrocław sits at the intersection of engineering and IT. Demand is growing for Smart Building solutions that not only optimise energy consumption – crucial from both cost and sustainability perspectives – but, above all, enhance operational continuity through predictive maintenance. In 2026, a warehouse in Wrocław functions as a “living organism” of data that managers need to monitor in real time to sustain clients’ competitive advantage. 

Key takeaways about the Wrocław market from the report Wrocław: A City of Business Opportunities:

5.3 million sqm – total warehouse stock.

10.7% – a vacancy rate that ensures healthy market equilibrium.

42% – the share of e-commerce in take-up.

EUR 55 per sqm – average annual base rent (vs. EUR 86-90 in Germany and Czechia).

Benefiting from the synergy of first-rate infrastructure (the A4 and A8 motorways, and rail terminals) and openness to innovation, Wrocław is becoming a gateway to Europe for global trade, offering stability and modernity at competitive costs.

Download the full report Wrocław: A City of Business Opportunities. 

 

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