In the heart of London, a monumental shift is underway in the data centre landscape. SEGRO, a titan in the industrial property sector, has joined forces with Pure Data Centres, a seasoned player in the data centre arena, to embark on a groundbreaking project. The collaboration aims to construct a state-of-the-art, fully fitted data centre in Park Royal, London, with an estimated gross capital investment of around £1 billion. This ambitious venture not only underscores the escalating demand for digital infrastructure but also signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable and technologically advanced construction practices.
The proposed 56MW data centre, spanning 30,000 square meters, will be a three-storey marvel situated on the edge of SEGRO Park Premier Road in West London. This strategic location, boasting a 10-acre super-prime industrial site owned by SEGRO and 70MVA of power secured by Pure Data Centres, is poised to become a linchpin in the city’s digital infrastructure. The area’s scarcity of competing land and power supplies further enhances its appeal, positioning it as an ideal hub for high-density data operations.
David Sleath, CEO of SEGRO, highlighted the strategic significance of this venture. “Building on our 20 years of experience in the powered shell data centre market, we have been exploring how best to utilise our skills and 2.3GW land-enabled power bank to maximise the opportunity in this fast-growing sector,” Sleath stated. “This innovative joint venture with Pure Data Centres allows us to develop our first fully fitted data centre, alongside a highly experienced partner with an excellent track record of delivering world-class facilities to global hyperscalers.”
The project is set to generate hundreds of jobs during its multi-year construction phase, slated to commence in 2026, with the fully fitted space available for customer use from 2029. This influx of employment opportunities will be complemented by a comprehensive package of support designed to upskill the local community, fostering a diverse and inclusive future workforce for the technology sector. The initiative aligns with broader goals of creating a sustainable and resilient digital infrastructure that can support the city’s growing technological needs.
Dame Dawn Childs, CEO of Pure Data Centres, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to scale in a rapidly expanding market. “SEGRO choosing to enter into a joint venture with Pure DC for its first fully fitted data centre development demonstrates our capability to create world-class digital infrastructure,” Childs said. “Together we will develop a 56MW data centre in central London capable of handling next-generation cloud and AI workloads. This joint venture demonstrates Pure Data Centre’s ability to scale in a rapidly expanding market, creating fresh opportunities for growth and investment.”
The collaboration between SEGRO and Pure Data Centres is not just about building a data centre; it’s about shaping the future of digital infrastructure. The project underscores the growing importance of sustainability and technological innovation in construction. As data centres become increasingly vital for powering cloud services, AI, and other digital innovations, the need for efficient, eco-friendly solutions has never been more pressing.
The UK government has also taken note of this development. Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation & Technology, Peter Kyle, hailed the project as a testament to Britain’s appeal as a tech investment destination. “This announcement is another powerful endorsement of Britain as a home for tech investment, which will not only bolster the local economy and create job opportunities but also pave the way for a digital and AI-powered future,” Kyle stated. “Private investment like this innovative partnership between SEGRO and Pure Data Centres will help us ensure the UK has the digital infrastructure it needs to thrive, helping us harness the power of technology to grow the economy and raise living standards, the central missions in our Plan for Change.”
This project is a beacon of what’s possible when industry leaders join forces to drive sustainable development. As the construction industry continues to evolve, such collaborations will be crucial in meeting the dual challenges of technological advancement and environmental responsibility. The data centre in Park Royal is more than just a building; it’s a symbol of a future where technology and sustainability coexist harmoniously, driving progress and innovation in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities.