2m Sq Ft Data Centre Approved

Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee approved DC01UK, described as Europe's largest cloud and AI data centre, on 23 January.

The scheme occupies 85 acres at Graveley, with 54 per cent kept as open space and a 10 per cent biodiversity net gain. The approval also includes an expanded local cycle hire scheme, £2 million of improvements to new and existing bus routes, and upgrades to cycle paths, footpaths and crossings.

Council leader Cllr Jeremy Newmark, who also chairs the Hertfordshire Growth Board, called it a momentous development and a piece of critical national infrastructure. He said it would bring jobs during and after construction, attract new businesses, and complement the borough's film and TV industry, which includes three major studio sites in Borehamwood. He linked the project to the Government's recently announced AI Opportunities Action Plan and said the council would continue engaging with residents as details are finalised, since only outline permission has been granted.

A DC01UK spokesperson thanked the council for its pragmatic approach and said the project would strengthen the local economy, create skilled jobs and cement Hertsmere as a technology and media hub alongside Elstree Studios, BBC Elstree and Sky Studios. The developer expects the scheme to generate £3.75bn for the economy during construction and nearly 11,000 indirect jobs across the South East once operating.

Stephen Beard, head of data centres at Knight Frank, which is advising on the project, called it the first of its kind and said it is well placed to meet today's cloud demand and future AI needs, marking a step in the UK's growth as a digital infrastructure power.

Source: UK Property Forums, original article (29 January 2025)