- Equinix to build one of Europe’s largest data centres
- Project to create thousands of jobs and support AI growth in the UK
What happened: Equinix to develop $4.9B AI-focused data centre in Hertfordshire
US-based data centre provider Equinix has acquired an 85-acre site in South Mimms, Hertfordshire, from DC01UK, a joint venture between Griggs Group and Chiltern Green Energy. The company will invest $4.9 billion to develop the site into one of Europe’s largest data centres. The planned facility will have a capacity of more than 250 MW and a floor area of over 2 million square feet. Once completed, the Hertfordshire Campus will become a significant hub for AI and digital infrastructure in the UK.
Equinix’s UK managing director, James Tyler, highlighted that the development aligns with the UK’s ambitions for growth in artificial intelligence (AI). Construction is expected to create 2,500 local jobs, with the operational phase providing 200 permanent positions. The project is also anticipated to generate up to $150 million in wages, contributing $3.7 billion annually to the UK economy during construction and up to $320 million once operational.
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Why it’s important
The new facility is poised to help meet the rising demand for AI infrastructure in the UK. The global hyperscale data centre market has seen rapid expansion, with capacity expected to double again by 2028, according to Synergy Research. This is in line with the UK government’s vision of becoming a leader in AI, where digital infrastructure is key.
Beyond the economic benefits, Equinix’s development pledges a sustainable approach. The Hertfordshire Campus will utilise air cooling to reduce water consumption, retain 54% of the land as open space, and enhance biodiversity with a 10% net gain. Furthermore, the company is committed to transitioning all its facilities to renewable energy by 2030.
This investment reinforces the UK’s position as a prime location for digital infrastructure, ensuring
