A new £3.75bn data centre is proposed in Hertfordshire, aiming to enhance the UK’s tech infrastructure.
- The facility will generate approximately £1.1bn annually, significantly impacting the UK economy.
- Expected to create 500 immediate jobs and 13,700 indirectly, it promises substantial employment opportunities.
- The data centre will cover 85 acres and feature 2 million square feet of space, becoming one of Europe’s largest.
- Categorised as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’, it underscores the project’s importance to national security.
A substantial £3.75bn investment in a data centre in Hertfordshire has been proposed, promising to bolster the UK’s tech infrastructure. A planning application for this ambitious project has been submitted by DC01UK, targeting completion by 2029. The proposed data centre, covering 85 acres with 2 million square feet of floor space, is set to become one of the largest in Europe.
The project is expected to generate approximately £1.1bn in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy annually. In addition to the direct economic benefits, the data centre is projected to create 500 immediate jobs and indirectly support 13,700 roles across various sectors. This venture provides a significant boost to local employment, particularly upon its projected completion.
The location of the data centre is strategically chosen, situated east of South Mimms Services, near key transport routes such as the A1 and M25, in the Hertsmere borough. With access to the National Grid’s 400MVA power and proximity to national and international fibre optic networks, the site is optimally positioned.
Technology Secretary Peter Kyle praised the project, seeing it as a vote of confidence in the government’s tech sector plans. “Data centres play an essential role in British society, housing some of our most important data,” he stated. The global rise in demand for data centres is driven by increasing utilisation of AI, cloud computing, and services requiring vast storage capabilities.
This initiative follows other significant investments in the region. Amazon has announced plans to invest £8bn over the next five years in similar facilities, while Google is investing £790m in another Hertfordshire site. However, some proposed projects have faced hindrances due to local planning and political issues.
The importance of this data centre is further emphasised by the government’s recent designation of such facilities as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’. Peter Kyle highlighted this new classification, aligning data centres with essential energy and water projects. “We must make the sector resilient to today’s challenges,” Kyle noted, reflecting on the importance of fortifying national infrastructure.
Councillor Jeremy Newmark of Hertsmere Borough Council expressed enthusiasm for the venture, stating it positions Hertfordshire as a leading site for technological advancement in Europe. DC01UK is determined to lead in setting the standard for next-generation digital infrastructure, aiming to establish the UK at the forefront of high-tech developments.
The planned data centre in Hertfordshire signifies a pivotal advancement for the UK’s tech infrastructure, promising significant economic and employment benefits.
