Tract launches data centre campus plans
Billed as Durham Technology Park, the developer has initiated a consultation over a scheme located between South Hetton, Murton and Easington Lane.
Planning advisor Lihfields is working with Tract, which describes itself as a global developer of data centres.
In comms terms, Tract is “carrier-neutral” meaning that it is not working with a specific tech company on this site at this stage, but would look to sign an agreement with an operator at some point in the planning cycle.
No specific sizes have been put on the buildings within the proposed development, but the indicative images show the scale of what could be delivered.
For context, other data centre plans advancing in the North include a 424,000 sq ft “hypescale” centre by Microsoft at Skelton Grange in Leeds, while Cambois in Northumberland could see anywhere up to 6m sq ft of data centre space built out.
Tract said that the scheme could include up to seven main data centre buildings, or ‘data halls’, with two vehicle access points and a third for emergency use. There could also be a logistics building, internal roads, an on on-site substation.
Tract said that this particular site is suitable because it is well located close to Hawthorn Pit sub-station which is currently undergoing expansion through the construction of a new 400kV substation, a committed upgrade and expansion forming part of the Eastern Green Link 1 project to import offshore wind energy.
The firm said: “The development of Durham Technology Park will deliver significant benefits to local communities, including through the creation of new employment opportunities. We are also carefully considering, assessing and managing the effects of the development throughout the construction and operational phases.”
Tract’s project is currently at initial design stage. Following consultation, an outline planning application will be submitted.
