First Phase of Major AI and Cloud Data Centre Project Approved in Northumberland

A significant milestone has been reached in Northumberland as the first phase of a £10bn artificial intelligence and cloud computing data centre has received formal approval. Northumberland County Council has granted consent for the initial construction works on the former Blyth Power Station site in Cambois, marking the start of what is expected to become one of the largest digital infrastructure projects in the region.

Large Scale Plans for a Strategic Site

The US-based firm QTS plans to develop 10 large data halls across more than 133 acres of land. This vast site will eventually host powerful computing systems required for advanced AI operations, cloud services, and digital storage. Outline planning permission for the full development was granted earlier this year, but this latest approval covers the construction of the first two halls that form part of phase one. The council’s strategic planning committee voted unanimously in favour of moving ahead.

A Project Aiming for Rapid Progress

Andy Lawson, QTS director of pre-development, told councillors that the company intends to push forward as quickly as possible. He said the team is eager to maintain momentum and is only at the beginning of a long-term build-out. Initial groundworks began on the empty site in October, signalling the early steps of what will ultimately be a multi-year project. Previous planning documents suggested that the final phase may not be completed until 2035, highlighting the long horizon of the development.

Significant Job Creation Expected

The council heard that the data centre will directly employ around 400 people once fully operational. Beyond that, the project could indirectly generate up to 2,700 additional jobs in connected technology and service industries. These roles may range from equipment maintenance and security to software support and logistics, offering long-term economic benefits for the surrounding communities.

Massive Infrastructure Requirements

Each of the planned data halls will be structurally large, standing at approximately 110 feet tall. The halls will require substantial electrical capacity, including eight dedicated electricity lines for each building. To safeguard operations during outages, they will also be equipped with 55 diesel powered emergency generators. Cooling systems will form another essential component, ensuring that thousands of powerful computers can operate safely without overheating.

Enhancements Beyond the Data Halls

Alongside the main computing facilities, the approved proposals include improvements to local access and public spaces. These plans cover two designated freedom parks, new roads, pedestrian pathways, cycle routes, landscaping and a security guardhouse. Local representatives have described the project as a major upgrade for the area. Malcolm Robinson, the councillor for Bedlington West, noted that the old power station had long been seen as a scar on the coastline. He welcomed the new development, emphasising that it represents modern industry rather than outdated heavy infrastructure.

A Site with a Complicated Past

The Cambois site was previously linked to Britishvolt, which had planned to build a £3.8bn battery factory aimed at supporting the electric vehicle sector. However, Britishvolt went into administration in 2023, resulting in the loss of more than 200 jobs. The new data centre project is therefore seen by many as an opportunity to revive economic activity on the land and bring a new generation of technological investment to the area.