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Search the Public Notice PortalPlans to build one of Europe's largest data centres in South Mimms have progressed, with global data giant Equinix having acquired the site.
The digital infrastructure company announced its acquisition of the 85-acre plot today (October 30), which will amount to £3.9 billion in investment in the UK and will be known as Equinix's Hertfordshire Campus.
According to Equinix, the development, up to now known as DC01UK, is expected to directly deliver 2,500 jobs in the construction phase, and over 200 permanent roles when the centre opens, many of which will be highly skilled.
Major global financial player KPMG estimates direct and indirect employment from the development could contribute roughly £120 million in wages.
The site, on land to the north of the M25 and to the east of South Mimms Services, will provide over two million square of data centre space, designed to meet both current and future needs for data, storage, and AI-powered services.
Planning permission for the mega-centre was granted by Hertsmere Borough Council in January, and Equinix hopes it will be operational by 2030.
James Craig, director of the DC01UK project, said “This is a landmark moment for the UK and a powerful example of local entrepreneurship driving national innovation.
"The ambition behind the DC01UK project is extraordinary and we are delighted that the vision for this project will be taken forward by leading experts committed to delivering it to the highest standards, maintaining our ambition, realising the community benefits, and embedding themselves in the growth and future of Hertfordshire."
According to Equinix's UK managing director James Tyler, the development is "grounded in collaboration with communities".
He continued: "We are committed to ensuring residents of the Hertsmere borough really benefit from the investment that digital infrastructure improvements and data centres will bring to their local community.
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"We see our investment as the start of a long-term future for Equinix in the area and plan to seek thoughts and feedback from the community as we work through key milestones."
Equinix runs over 270 data centres across six continents and 36 countries, with its European sites covered by 100 per cent renewable energy, with a target to be covered by 100 per cent renewable energy globally by 2030.
In the UK alone, it already operates 14 data centres, with over 1,200 UK-based employees, contributing £145 million directly to household income in the UK.
The new Herts site will include a dry cooling system to ensure water consumption at the site will be comparable with conventional office buildings, retain 54 per cent of the land as open space, create new ecological habitats (delivering a biodiversity net gain of 10 per cent), and have the capacity to export heat from the campus enabling future conservation of energy.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome this new piece of Critical National Infrastructure," said Cllr Jeremy Newmark, leader of Hertsmere Borough Council and vice-chair of the Hertfordshire Growth Board.
According to the councillor, the development will be a "game-changer" for Hertsmere.
He continued: "The new Hertfordshire Campus will unlock huge new opportunities in digital infrastructure, accelerating growth for the local community, and establishing Hertfordshire as a leader in modern design and practices.
"It will deliver huge synergies with our thriving film and television sector.
"With its extensive experience embedding sustainability practices in development, we are thrilled that Equinix will be taking the lead on this development.
"This is a pivotal moment for Hertfordshire. It reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, skills and high-quality jobs, promising lasting value for residents and businesses.”
The acquisition is big news for Westminster, too, coming after the chancellor announced an £86 billion package for science and technology at June's spending review.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, said: “This £3.9 billion investment is a huge win for Britain.
"It will give businesses – from life sciences to high street banks – the ability to connect to thousands of other businesses across the world in an instant, powering our AI ambitions, boosting growth and creating hundreds of well-paid jobs."
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