Blackstone’s ambitious plan to construct a £10 billion ($13.3 billion) data center on a derelict industrial site in Blyth, Northumberland, has cleared a major planning hurdle. The Northumberland County Council granted outline planning permission for the project during a planning committee meeting, paving the way for what could become one of the largest data center developments in the UK. The project, to be operated by Blackstone’s subsidiary QTS, marks a significant step forward in the regeneration of the area and underscores the growing demand for digital infrastructure in the region.
The proposed data center will be built on the site of a former coal-fired power plant in the village of Cambois, near Blyth. The land was initially earmarked for a battery production factory by Britishvolt, an electric vehicle battery firm that collapsed in 2023. With Britishvolt’s plans abandoned, Blackstone seized the opportunity to transform the site into a state-of-the-art data center campus. The development will consist of 10 buildings, each providing 72MW of capacity, totaling 720MW for the entire site. Notably, the facility will utilize QTS’s innovative water-free cooling system, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.
4A Boost for Local Employment and Economic Growth
The approval of the data center project has been met with enthusiasm by local officials, who see it as a transformative opportunity for the region. Councilor Jeff Reid described the development as a chance to put Northumberland “on the map, front and center in a technological revolution.” Another committee member, Alex Wallace, highlighted the historical significance of the site, noting that the closure of the coal mine in 1968 led to the exodus of 2,000 workers. “We are now saying we are going to provide that work for their grandchildren,” Wallace said, expressing his excitement about the project’s potential to revitalize the area.
Blackstone estimates that the data center will create 400 permanent jobs once fully operational, in addition to supporting 1,200 construction jobs during the build-out phase. This influx of employment opportunities is expected to provide a much-needed economic boost to the local community, which has faced challenges since the decline of traditional industries like coal mining and manufacturing.
However, not all local stakeholders are entirely convinced. The Choppington Parish Council, while acknowledging the potential benefits of the project, expressed concerns about its limited impact on employment and community benefits. The council also raised issues related to the increased traffic from large vehicles during the construction phase, though it stopped short of opposing the plan. Additionally, the council received three letters of objection from residents, citing concerns about overshadowing, blocked natural light, and potential noise pollution.
3A Commitment to Community and Sustainability
Chad Williams, Chairman and CEO of QTS, expressed gratitude for the planning permission, calling it the “first step in building a lasting partnership with the Cambois community.” Williams emphasized QTS’s commitment to collaborating with local residents, training providers, and businesses to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits. “We are dedicated to supporting the prosperity of the local area,” he said, highlighting the company’s focus on community engagement and sustainable development.
The data center’s water-free cooling system is a testament to QTS’s dedication to environmental responsibility. By eliminating the need for water in the cooling process, the facility will reduce its environmental footprint and align with global efforts to promote sustainable infrastructure. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions the project as a model for future data center developments.
2A Vote of Confidence in the UK’s Digital Future
The announcement of the data center project has been welcomed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose government has been actively revising planning rules to encourage digital infrastructure projects. Starmer described the investment as a “huge vote of confidence in the UK,” adding that it demonstrates Britain’s resurgence as a major player on the global stage. The project aligns with the government’s broader strategy to position the UK as a leader in digital innovation and technology.
The QTS data center is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the growing demand for data storage and processing capacity, driven by the rapid expansion of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies. By providing a robust and scalable infrastructure, the facility will support businesses, governments, and communities in harnessing the power of data to drive innovation and economic growth.
1A New Chapter for Northumberland
The approval of Blackstone’s £10 billion QTS data center marks a new chapter for Northumberland, transforming a once-abandoned industrial site into a hub of technological innovation. The project promises to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and position the region as a key player in the UK’s digital economy. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing local concerns and ensuring community benefits, the development represents a significant step forward in the regeneration of the area.
As construction begins and the data center takes shape, it will serve as a symbol of Northumberland’s resilience and adaptability in the face of economic change. By embracing the opportunities of the digital age, the region is poised to reclaim its place as a center of industry and innovation, proving that even the most challenging landscapes can be reimagined for a brighter future.
