Hertsmere approves Europe's largest AI data centre plans

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee has approved the application for DC01UK's new data centre, poised to become Europe's largest cloud and AI data centre.

This approval comes shortly after the Government introduced its AI Opportunities Action Plan, which underscores the necessity of modern data centres in the rapidly advancing AI sector. The plan includes a roadmap for AI infrastructure, addressing sustainability and security considerations.

The new data centre will span up to two million square feet, addressing the current shortfall in cloud capabilities and preparing for an anticipated rise in demand. The facility benefits from its proximity to critical infrastructure, including the Elstree substation and national and international fibre optic routes, as well as regional Availability Zones.

The project's economic footprint is considerable, with construction valued at GBP £3.75 billion, generating GBP £21.4 million annually in business rates once operational. During its construction phase, the project will create 500 skilled jobs, with 200 permanent positions following completion. The broader economic impact will involve 13,740 indirect jobs, predominantly in the South East.

Set on 85 acres, more than half of the data centre's grounds will remain green open space, contributing a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain. The project includes enhancements to local transport and infrastructure, such as a GBP £2 million investment in bus route improvements and the expansion of a local cycle hire scheme.

A spokesperson for DC01UK expressed gratitude to Hertsmere Borough Council for their support, stating, "We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UK's plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements."

The spokesperson added, "This approval will also solidify Hertsmere's status as a leading region in the South East as a tech and media superhub, complementing other established, large technology-driven organisations and film studios in the area."

The approval has wider implications, as the facility is aligned with the Government's AI Opportunities Action Plan, which seeks to leverage data centres' crucial role in economic growth and the advancement of AI.

Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Telecoms, remarked, "Data centres are the beating hearts of this modern age, powering the digital infrastructure that we can no longer live without. That is why I am thrilled to see that Hertsmere Council has granted planning permission to one of the largest data centre projects in Europe. Data centres like this will not only play a pivotal role in our AI Opportunities Action Plan, but drive economic growth through the creation of skilled jobs across the South East."

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, noted the project's significance saying, "This is a momentous development for our borough. Hertsmere has cleared the way to becoming the home of a data centre which will be integral to serving Britain with cutting-edge technology. It'll be a piece of critical national infrastructure needed for many generations to come."

Stephen Beard, Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank, highlighted the project's importance, stating, "DC01UK is a first of its kind. The largest data centre development in Europe in the world's second largest market, which is perfectly positioned in its ability to service the ever-increasing cloud demand today whilst accommodating the AI needs of tomorrow. A first and great example of the UK's shift towards becoming a dominant superpower in cloud, AI and general digital infrastructure."