First phase greenlit for UK’s largest ever data centre build
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A £10 billion data centre campus is underway in Cambois, Northumberland. Led by QTS, a subsidiary of Blackstone, the hyperscale campus will redevelop 153 hectares of former industrial land into one of Europe’s largest digital infrastructure sites.
The development reflects a shift in the UK’s strategic priorities. With data centres now classified as critical national infrastructure, this site is part of the nation’s move to support artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and high-performance processing.
The campus will span up to 540,000 square meters across ten buildings. It is designed to meet the demands of large-scale data users with scalable, secure, and efficient digital capacity.
From planning to preparation
In August 2025, Northumberland County Council approved the first on-site activities. Known as enabling works, this phase includes site clearance, fencing, compound setup, and early earthworks. It marks a significant step from planning consent to active development.
Outline planning permission was granted in March 2025 following a unanimous vote by the Strategic Planning Committee. QTS worked with environmental and planning experts to meet local and regulatory expectations.
These early works will continue into late 2026. The first phase of construction is expected to start shortly after, with the initial facility scheduled for completion in 2029. The full development will unfold in stages over the next decade.
A once-in-a-generation economic catalyst for the North East
The Cambois campus is expected to generate 1,200 long-term construction roles and more than 400 permanent operational positions. An additional 2,700 indirect jobs are projected through supporting sectors.
The project includes a £110 million economic fund for Northumberland County Council. This will be directed toward development along the Northumberland Line, with a focus on employment, training, and enterprise. The newly reopened rail link will improve access and enhance labor mobility.
QTS has committed to local hiring, with a preference for candidates within a 25-mile radius. The firm is also introducing a skills plan that includes apprenticeships, internships, and partnerships with training providers.
A blueprint for sustainable hyperscale development
The campus will feature a closed-loop cooling system to reduce water use and minimize heat emissions. This is supported by a 10 percent biodiversity net gain through green buffers, habitat restoration, and ecological design.
Future plans include a potential district heating network to repurpose heat generated by the data halls. These sustainability features are part of a growing shift in the sector toward lower-impact, environmentally responsible operations.
With increasing pressure from regulators and investors to deliver climate-conscious infrastructure, the Cambois campus is designed to meet both current standards and future benchmarks.
The project is part of the UK’s £36 billion data centre pipeline. Demand is driven by artificial intelligence, real-time analytics, and sovereign data control.
In 2025, the Universities Superannuation Scheme became the first external investor, committing up to £250 million. This institutional backing signals strong confidence in both the asset and its operator.
Government recognition of data centres as critical infrastructure has provided added momentum. The scale and strategic value of Cambois place it at the centre of the UK’s digital infrastructure plans for the coming decade.