Hyperscale-focused colocation provider Colt Data Center Services (DCS) has started work on the construction of two datacentre buildings in Hayes, West London, which it claims will bring hundreds of jobs to the area.
As previously reported by Computer Weekly, the company got planning permission in April 2022 to go ahead with its plans to build a £400m datacentre campus after agreeing to fund upgrades to several local power substations. after an infrastructure assessment concluded that there was “insufficient electrical capacity” in the area to meet the project’s needs.
This is on the back of reports last year that the influx of data centers into West London has led to grid capacity issues emerging, making it difficult for property developers to build new homes unless urgently needed. which action is taken to increase the available electricity supply in the region.
As well as bringing more power to the grid, the company said the development would also boost the local economy by creating 230 permanent jobs, as well as 350 temporary roles during the construction phase and an additional 50 apprenticeships.
“Colt DCS is committed to delivering continued social value to the surrounding area by working with local schools to create an understanding of, and pathway to, jobs in the technology sector,” the company said in a statement.
In addition, the company also committed to making “significant improvements” to the landscaping of the site and the surrounding area during the construction of the two hyperscale facilities, which are expected to provide clients with a total of 57MW of available IT power.
There is also space on site for a third, 30MW datacentre to be built as well, and Colt DCS has committed to powering all three facilities with renewable energy with biodiesel-powered backup generators on hand.
The site will also be equipped with heat pump technology, which could be used later down the line to reuse excess heat generated by equipment on campus to heat local homes and businesses.
Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, said the company is working hard to ensure that the datacentre campus adds value to the community in the local area.
“We have worked closely with the local community and stakeholders through the planning process to carefully shape all aspects of this development, to outline the economic benefits it will bring, and to -see the important role that data centers play in all our daily lives and most importantly. what opportunities it brings for local communities,” said Sanfridsson.
Richard Wellbrock, vice-president of real estate at Colt DCS, added: “We see ourselves as part of the local community. That’s why we want to share this important moment with all the key stakeholders we work, including local schools and other neighbors with whom we have built long-term partnerships to provide social value to the area. This is an exciting journey for all of us.”