The fate of a former gigafactory site hangs in the balance as proposals for a £10bn artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing data center are set to be reviewed by council members.
Located in Cambois, Northumberland, the land has seen various failed attempts at development, including a previously planned electric car battery plant by Britishvolt that never materialized, despite the promise of creating 3,000 jobs.
With a new vision on the horizon, investment firm Blackstone has acquired the site with plans to transform it into a sprawling data center, sparking hopes for a significant economic boost in the area.
A recommendation from a planning officer at Northumberland County Council suggests that the proposed 540,000sq m (133-acre) project should be given the green light during the upcoming council meeting.
If approved, this decision could potentially shape the future of Cambois for generations to come.
Britishvolt’s initial ambitions to establish a £3.8bn factory were once lauded as a strategic move to elevate the region economically and contribute to the nation’s electric car manufacturing aspirations.
However, a series of setbacks in 2022, including financial challenges arising from inflation and energy cost hikes, led to the company’s demise in early 2023.
Following Britishvolt’s collapse, Recharge Industries, an Australian company, acquired the assets but ultimately abandoned plans to revive the factory in April of the following year.
Subsequently, Blackstone stepped in, pledging a staggering £10bn investment to construct a network of data centers, catering to the burgeoning artificial intelligence and cloud computing industries.
The project is anticipated to generate approximately 1,600 direct job opportunities, with an additional 2,700 jobs potentially arising from tech companies relocating to the area.
In a strategic move, Blackstone also sealed a deal with Northumberland County Council, exchanging £110m to eliminate a buy-back provision on the Cambois site, which was initially earmarked for a gigafactory.
QTS, a subsidiary of Blackstone specializing in data services, aims to commence construction in 2026.
While the project has garnered a mix of feedback from the community, objections have been raised concerning potential noise and dust disruptions during the construction phase, as well as fears of reduced natural light due to the data center’s size.
On the contrary, proponents view the redevelopment of the site as a catalyst for economic progress.
Deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, Richard Wearmouth, has voiced his support for the initiative, deeming it a “game-changing” endeavor with immense potential benefits for the region and the country as a whole.
In the realm of cutting-edge technology, an intelligence data center is on the horizon in western Europe, set to be constructed at a staggering cost of £10 billion. The potential involvement of tech giants such as Facebook or Microsoft brings the total investment projection to a whopping £15-20 billion. This monumental project has garnered support from a variety of key figures, including local Labour leader Scott Dickinson, who described it as an “exciting development.”
Expressing optimism for the future of the region, Dickinson emphasized the transformative potential of the data center, urging residents to embrace the opportunity it presents. He acknowledged past disappointments but urged against succumbing to undue skepticism, highlighting the significance of Northumberland’s potential emergence as a technological hub.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding this endeavor, community engagement is crucial. Stay updated on the latest developments by following BBC North East across various platforms, including X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram.
This project not only signifies a major investment in infrastructure but also heralds a potential shift in the technological landscape of the region. As stakeholders rally behind the initiative, the promise of economic growth and innovation looms large on the horizon. The convergence of industry titans and local leaders sets the stage for a new chapter in the evolution of Northumberland, positioning it as a formidable player in the tech sector.
