Plans for a £3.75bn data centre in Hertfordshire, one of Europe’s largest, have been submitted.
- Developers DC01UK anticipate the centre’s operation by 2029, promising substantial employment growth.
- The project aligns with the UK’s strategic digital infrastructure ambitions, now recognised as Critical National Infrastructure.
- A collaborative project by Griggs Group and Chiltern Green Energy, DC01UK leads this significant initiative.
- Local council engagement is underway, integrating community feedback into the planning process.
Plans for a substantial £3.75bn data centre in Hertfordshire have been initiated, with developers DC01UK describing it as potentially one of Europe’s largest facilities. The submission to Hertsmere Borough Council details a vision for the centre to become operational by 2029.
As part of the project’s development, DC01UK estimates the creation of 500 jobs during the construction phase, followed by 200 new permanent positions, contributing significantly to local employment. In a statement reflecting local enthusiasm, Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, noted the desirability of Hertsmere for cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.
This proposal arrives at a time when the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has granted data centres Critical National Infrastructure status. A spokesperson from DC01UK expressed the aspiration for the centre to lead in setting high standards for future high-tech projects, highlighting Hertfordshire’s forefront position in European technological advancements.
The joint venture behind DC01UK, formed by the Griggs Group and Chiltern Green Energy, underscores a strategic partnership aimed at advancing national digital infrastructure. The endeavour underlines a broader trend of significant investment in data infrastructure in the UK, highlighted by AWS’s recent £8bn commitment to the region.
As required, the project is currently undergoing the planning process, which includes community consultations to gauge public sentiment and integrate local feedback into development plans. This participatory approach aims to ensure that the centre’s development aligns with public interests and expectations.
The proposed Hertfordshire data centre marks a significant stride in the UK’s digital infrastructure landscape, poised to boost local employment and technological prestige.
