2m sq ft data centre approved

Outline plans for a two million sq ft state-of-the-art data centre in South Mimms have been approved by Hertsmere Borough Council.

The scheme, DC01UK, the largest cloud and AI data centre in Europe, was approved by the council’s planning committee on January 23.

It is set in 85 acres in Graveley, 54 per cent of which will be retained as open space, with a 10 per cent net biodiversity gain. The approved plans also include expansion of the local cycle hire programme, £2 million of upgrades for new and existing bus routes and improvements to cycle paths, footpaths and crossings.

Cllr Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board, said: “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.

“The project, which is aligned with the council’s vision, is set to deliver hugely significant growth and economic benefits for the area, creating jobs during and after the construction phase, as well as new businesses.

“This news clearly reinforces Hertsmere’s status as an extremely attractive location for business and industry, with a reputation that is getting even stronger.

“The data centre will provide critical synergies for our significant local film and TV sector, with three major sets of studios in Borehamwood.

“The Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was announced earlier this month, shows the impact that the AI revolution is likely to have for many years to come and data centres, such as this, will play a major part.

“While outline planning permission has been granted, we will, of course, continue to listen to and engage with residents about these exciting plans as more details are firmed up. As I’ve said before, I’m sure local people will see the massive value this development could bring to our area.”

A spokesperson for DC01UK said: “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.

“This approval will also solidify Hertsmere’s status as a technology and media superhub, complementing other established, large organisations in the area such as Elstree Studios, BBC Elstree and Sky Studios.

“With planning for this important piece of critical national infrastructure now approved, the site stands ready to power the needs of tomorrow, bringing a much-welcomed boost to the UK’s digital economy.

“Our plan will put Hertfordshire at the epicentre of the new data centre revolution, as well as creating £3.75bn for the economy during construction and almost 11,000 indirect jobs across the South East once operational.”

Stephen Beard, head of data centres at Knight Frank which is advising on the project, said: “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.”

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