Blackstone’s $13 billion “hyperscale” data center project in North East England has received the green light from Northumberland County Council, marking a significant investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure. The council unanimously approved the plans, paving the way for the construction of a massive data center campus spanning approximately 540,000 square meters. This development is poised to make Northumberland a key player in the global digital economy, driving technological advancements and creating numerous employment opportunities. The project will be located on a derelict industrial site in Blyth, specifically in the village of Cambois, which was previously designated for a Britishvolt electric vehicle battery factory that ultimately collapsed. Blackstone acquired the site in 2024 and will operate the data center through its QTS subsidiary.

The data center campus will consist of 10 buildings, each providing 72MW of capacity, totaling 720MW for the entire site3. QTS will implement its water-free cooling system at the facility. Beyond the immediate economic boost, Blackstone’s project includes a £110 million fund to support growth and job creation initiatives along the Northumberland Line, a new railway that began operations in December 2024. Council leader Glen Sanderson emphasized the project’s significance, noting that it positions Northumberland at the forefront of developments in the digital economy. The development is expected to generate 400 permanent data center roles upon completion and support 1,200 construction jobs, with the potential to create up to 2,700 indirect jobs.

While the project has garnered widespread support, some local concerns have been raised. The Choppington Parish Council acknowledged the potential positive contributions to the local community but expressed concerns about the limited impact on employment and community benefits. There were also objections regarding the impact of large vehicles during construction, potential overshadowing, and noise generation. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming sentiment is one of optimism, with council members expressing excitement about the technological revolution the data center will bring.

The approval of Blackstone’s data center project comes at a time when global demand for data center capacity is rapidly increasing, driven by the adoption of new technologies like generative artificial intelligence and cloud computing. A CBRE Group report indicated that Europe is expected to see a record number of new data centers in 2025 as companies expand their AI and cloud computing ventures, but supply may struggle to keep pace with demand. Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the investment as a vote of confidence in the UK, underscoring the country’s position as a major player on the global stage. The project exemplifies the growing importance of data centers in supporting the digital economy and driving technological innovation.