Business
Royal Docks to host one of London’s largest data centres, boosting AI capacity for the capital
The Royal Docks is set to become home to one of London’s largest data centre campuses, powering the rising demand for artificial intelligence in the capital. Ada Infrastructure, a global leader in sustainable digital infrastructure, and the data centre platform of GCP, has received planning permission from Newham Council to deliver the flagship development in the UK.
The development, which includes three 70 MW data centre buildings and a multi-purpose community facility, is sustainably designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The centre’s buildings feature innovative energy solutions including air and liquid cooling systems that operate without water evaporation, usage of low-carbon building materials, and provisions for a district heating system interconnection. The campus is engineered to be ‘AI ready’ from day one, capable of adapting to the intensive power and cooling requirements of hyperscale AI applications.
This new data centre development embodies our commitment to driving positive change through the use of sustainable technology and materials, a robust environmental, health and safety program, and an ongoing investment in the communities
Jennifer Weitzel, President of Ada Infrastructure
The multi-purpose facility will be available to the community for job training programmes, enhancing local educational and career opportunities for career development across the digital infrastructure and technology sectors. The new development will also significantly enhance the public spaces around the site, including improved pathways for pedestrians and cyclists along the Thames River.
Robert De Jong, Director at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability at the University of East London (UEL), commented on the positive impact of the development to the community: “We are pleased to note the significant public realm improvements that will be of huge benefit to those who live, work and study in the local area, as a result of the new data campus. These proposals are highly sustainable, in line with UEL’s own values, and have evolved to improve the design and architectural approach, as well as enhancing access to public space and the Thames River.”
Jennifer Weitzel, President of Ada Infrastructure, expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “This new data centre development embodies our commitment to driving positive change through the use of sustainable technology and materials, a robust environmental, health and safety program, and an ongoing investment in the communities in which we work and live. In addition to collaborating with local partners to provide job training and employment opportunities, the project’s future-ready design, including energy-efficient systems, net positive landscaping, and strict physical and cybersecurity protocols, will set new standards for safe and sustainable development in the age of AI.”
Nick Cook, President, GCP Europe, added, “We are delighted to see our vision for a large-scale data centre come to life at Docklands. We will continue to leverage our significant footprint across Europe to support the growth of our data center and clean energy strategies.”
