Councillors have unanimously approved SEGRO’s plans for two large data centres to replace six empty office buildings on Slough Trading Estate.
The now vacant, former homes of Unatrac, Ipsen, Blackberry UCB (two of the buildings) and Black & Decker will be demolished under the plans.
SEGRO’s hybrid application means demolition of 188, 190 and 200 Bath Road for a 324,306 sq ft data centre (to be known as 200 Bath Road) and demolition of 208, 210 and 216 Bath Road for a data centre of 534,966 sq ft (to be known as 210 Bath Road).
The latter proposed data centre will be subject to a detailed application later.
In total the proposal means 329,006 sq ft of empty space will be demolished and replaced by 859,272 sq ft of data centres.
Planning officer Martin Cowie told the May 29 meeting of Slough Borough Council’s planning committee: “It’s a reflection of the changing economy, the changing land market and the changing office market.
“It should be noted that the existing offices are vacant and the demand for data centres to support the digital economy and everything we do in our day-to-day lives is becoming increasingly important.”
He said as a result of the scheme, more than 300 direct and indirect jobs will be created along with effectively thousands more around the UK.
The meeting heard the scheme could not come forward with the trading estate’s Simplified Planning Zone because the buildings are higher than those permitted with the SPZ.
Mr Cowie added that the site’s car parking will be reduced from 1,100 spaces to 65 at 200 Bath Road with 12 more off-site and up to 160 at 210 Bath Road.
The meeting heard the scheme will set a new standard in the quality of design of data centres.
The three-storey centre at 200 Bath Road will have two wings, separated by a central area and a service area. There will be 11 circular canopies over the car park with green roofs on top. There will be office space and a substation, both with green roofs. Some existing parking will be retained.
The centre at 210 Bath Road will have an area in the centre of the site which can be developed as data halls with associated internal ancillary and circulation spaces. Office space is included and there will be space for a substation with an option for a multi-storey car park.
Slough Trading Estate already has 28 data centres which makes up around 10 per cent of all those in the UK.
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