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Data Centres

Data centres are critical infrastructure for businesses and commercial growth.

In today’s digital age, data is the world’s most mobile and valuable asset – and modern data centres are the engines driving its potential. Fuelled by growing social and economic demand, data centres contribute £4.7 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the UK economy each year, supporting 43,500 jobs and generating £640 million in tax revenue.

We’re proud to support data centre developments that not only meet today’s digital demands but also drive long-term, sustainable growth.

Our multi-service team offers the flexibility, insight, and specialist knowledge needed to support the unique demands of each project.

Our integrated approach provides the insight and strategic guidance needed to guide developments from concept to completion: 

• Planning has a vital role to play in promoting this critical infrastructure, facilitating the delivery of modern data centres and managing their integration into urban environments.
• Economics and development case making is key, particularly in relation to the perceptual barriers around job creation. We regularly support clients to demonstrate not only the market need (to inform policy and plan-making) but also the range of benefits which the sector can bring.
• Environmental Impact Assessment sets the right strategy and approach at an early juncture, avoiding regulatory risk and realising positive project outcomes.
• ESG considerations maximise sustainability benefits and ensure market leading ESG strategies that take into account the unique challenges of data centres around energy demand, resilience and water.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) site searching for data centres involves several key steps to ensure optimal location selection, providing a comprehensive overview that have supports decision-makers balancing operational needs with cost-effectiveness and risk mitigation.
• Heritage, Townscape and Landscape expert advice on developing data centres in proximity to heritage assets and sensitive landscapes and views maximises the likelihood of successful planning outcomes – identifying opportunities and constraints early through heritage appraisals, landscape and visual impact assessments, grey belt appraisals and strategic design input.
• Strategic Communications translates the national and strategic case for data centres to political and community support at a local level, where understanding of data centres is lower. We engage local councillors, key stakeholders and the community to clearly communicate and collaborate on local benefits and secure political support.

Download our Data Centres brochure below to learn more about our offer and track record in the sector. 

For advice or enquiries, please reach out to Taylor Cherrett or Catriona Fraser who will connect you with our local experts across our services.