#London #United Kingdom #AI economy #Colt DCS #Data Centres

Colt DCS's Major Expansion in West London

Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a leading global provider in hyperscale and AI-driven data centre solutions, has received approval for a significant expansion of its operations in West London. The company plans to invest an impressive £2.5 billion in constructing three new hyperscale data centres and an Innovation Hub at its Hayes Digital Park campus. This ambitious project is set to bolster the UK's digital infrastructure and propel its burgeoning AI economy.

Project Highlights

Approval Granted: The Hillingdon Council has officially granted the Resolution to Grant for this project, a pivotal step forward for Colt DCS and the local community. The expansion includes the developments of three new data centres named London 6, 7, and 8, which will be powered entirely by renewable energy sources through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with National Grid.

Green Energy Commitment: Colt DCS is dedicated to sustainability as it aims to secure 100% renewable energy for the new data centres. Power contracts are already in place, ensuring that a high voltage supply will be available by October 2027. With this expansion, the total available IT power at Hayes Digital Park will rise from its current capacity to a substantial 160MW, with the construction of the facilities expected to start in mid-2026. The first centre, London 6, is projected to commence operations in early 2029.

Economic Impact: The new facilities are expected to create over 500 permanent jobs and offer training for approximately 50 technical apprentices over the decade-long construction period. This commitment to workforce development underscores Colt DCS's role in fostering local job growth and skilled labour in the tech sector.

Innovation Hub Development

In addition to the data centres, Colt DCS plans to establish an Innovation Hub in collaboration with Brunel University. This hub is envisioned as a vibrant community space and incubator for digital start-ups. By co-locating light-industrial and digital innovation businesses, it aims to foster collaboration, research, and skills development within a cost-effective workspace.

The hub will specifically encourage Brunel University students to engage in entrepreneurial projects and technology-focused ventures, supporting the evolution of the digital economy. AECOM has been appointed to craft the design proposals for the Innovation Hub, which will also provide flexible spaces suitable for various industrial uses in alignment with planning policies for Strategic Industrial Land.

Community Benefits and Sustainability

The project promises to deliver numerous community benefits, including a district heating network utilizing waste heat from the data centres. This approach aims to support local businesses and residents while promoting economic synergy. Under the planning permissions, additional regulations restrict backup generators to operate for a maximum of 15 hours per year, further showcasing Colt DCS's commitment to sustainable practices by drawing power directly from the national grid.

Xavier Matagne, Chief Real Estate Officer at Colt DCS, stated: "This announcement marks another important milestone for the UK's digital economy. Data centres are essential for digital transformation. Our expansion will help power innovation and support the AI revolution while contributing to energy transition efforts."

Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Steve Tuckwell, echoed the sentiment, stating, "The innovation hub is a thrilling development that will foster economic growth and equip local residents and smaller businesses with vital skills and opportunities. Hayes is indeed playing a pivotal role in shaping London’s digital economy and infrastructure."

Colt DCS Background

Colt DCS specializes in the design, construction, and operation of data centres for large enterprises and global hyperscalers. With a portfolio of 13 operational centres and an impressive 19 additional projects in the pipeline across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and APAC, Colt DCS is focused on enabling its clients to strategically plan for their business's growth. With over 25 years of industry experience, the company maintains a commitment to sustainable practices and aims to meet comprehensive Science Based Targets to reduce its global emissions. For more insights, visit the Colt DCS website.