#London #United Kingdom #AI economy #Colt DCS

Colt DCS Expands Its Hyperscale Campus in West London

Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS), a leading global provider of data centers that support AI and hyperscale applications, has recently secured the approval from the Hillingdon Council to expand its Hayes Digital Park campus in West London. This ambitious project, backed by a hefty investment of £2.5 billion, marks a significant step towards strengthening the United Kingdom's digital infrastructure and contributing to the growth of the nation’s AI economy.

New Facilities and Sustainable Energy

The expansion plan includes the construction of three new hyperscale data centers, referred to as London 6, 7, and 8, along with an innovation hub. A vital aspect of this project is its commitment to sustainability, as all new facilities will be powered entirely by renewable energy under a power purchase agreement with National Grid. This will lead to the addition of 97 megawatts (MW) of computing power, bringing the total capacity at Hayes Digital Park to 160 MW. Construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2026, with the first data center expected to be operational by early 2029.

Job Creation and Skill Development

This development will not only elevate capacity but also generate over 500 permanent jobs and provide opportunities for more than 50 apprenticeships in technical fields over a ten-year timeframe. Colt DCS is dedicated to fostering a skilled workforce that can support the evolving digital economy, reinforcing its role as a key player in the sector.

Innovation Hub in Collaboration with Brunel University

Another exciting aspect of this project is the collaborative innovation hub to be developed in partnership with Brunel University. This hub is designed to serve as a community space and incubator for budding tech entrepreneurs. By mixing light industry with innovative digital enterprises, the hub aims to promote economic synergies and provide affordable workspaces that encourage collaboration, research, and skill development. Students at Brunel University will have the opportunity to utilize this space to cultivate entrepreneurial projects, enriching the digital economy further.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Practices

In addition to fostering innovation, this initiative encompasses a community-oriented approach. The innovation hub will accommodate local events centered on culture, cuisine, film, music, and literature, making it a vibrant part of the local social fabric. Furthermore, the project plans to implement a district heating network that utilizes excess heat from the data centers to warm local businesses, communities, and residential buildings, thus optimizing resource use.

The construction plan stipulates that backup generators can only operate for a maximum of 15 hours per year, ensuring primary reliance on the national grid and reinforcing the commitment to sustainability.

The Broader Impact

Xavier Matagne, the property director at Colt DCS, stated, "This announcement marks a vital milestone for the UK’s digital economy. Data centers play an essential role in digital transformation. Through this expansion, we aim to enhance innovation, support the AI revolution, and contribute to the energy transition."

He further emphasized that the new Hayes campus, combined with the innovation hub, will support community development, job creation, and long-term investments while maintaining a sustainable and inclusive approach to economic growth.

Steve Tuckwell, a council member of Hillingdon, highlighted the innovative character of the project, stating, "The innovation hub will empower local residents and small businesses, equipping them with vital skills and offering affordable workspaces. Hayes is pivotal in developing London’s digital economy, and it's crucial for local residents to fully benefit from this development."

This significant investment in the Hayes Digital Park not only showcases Colt DCS's commitment to enhancing the digital infrastructure of the UK but also aims at producing tangible benefits for the local community through job creation, skill development, and sustainability efforts—ultimately steering the UK towards a more innovative and digitally empowered future.

About Colt DCS

Colt DCS specializes in designing, building, and operating data centers for hyperscalers and large enterprises worldwide. With a portfolio that includes 13 operational data centers and 19 additional developments across 11 cities in the UK, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, Colt DCS is dedicated to enabling clients to plan their business growth with confidence. Committed to environmental sustainability, Colt DCS strives to minimize its global impact and has set ambitious science-based targets to reduce emissions in alignment with the Net Zero standards from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).