Plans for a major new data centre in Hertfordshire are underway.
- Griggs, the developer, aims to partner with a US tech giant for funding.
- The £4 billion centre will be situated on an 83-acre site in South Mimms.
- Potential partners include Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, though no deal is confirmed.
- Local investment includes an innovation hub and improved transport services.
Plans are progressing for a significant data centre development in Hertfordshire, spearheaded by Griggs through the DC01UK joint venture. This ambitious project is expected to dominate an 83-acre site in South Mimms, requiring substantial investment estimated at £4 billion.
James Craig, director of Griggs, shared with the South Mimms & Ridge Parish Council the intention to secure funding from a major U.S. technology company. While specific partners have not been confirmed, discussions are underway with leading cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. These giants are considered primary candidates due to their extensive cloud infrastructure.
Craig acknowledged that, despite the lack of a signed partner, Griggs is optimistic about forming a collaboration with one of these tech titans. The move is seen as crucial given the project’s remarkable scale and the involved financial requirements. Craig stated, “Google and Jeffrey Bezos have more money than God,” highlighting the level of investment required for such an endeavour.
The development strategy also includes converting a nearby pub, acquired in 2021, into an innovation hub. This facility aims to provide resources for local residents and students, focusing on skill development in areas such as video editing and coding. Post-construction, management of this hub is intended to be transferred to the local council.
In addition to the tech investment, Griggs is committed to enhancing local infrastructure, notably by increasing the frequency of bus services for South Mimms. This initiative aligns with Griggs’s broader plan to contribute positively to local community development alongside their business interests.
The UK government has expressed approval of these plans, viewing them as supportive of its initiative to bolster the data centre sector. Officials have described the proposal as a testament to enhancing societal economic benefits from data centre growth.
Griggs is poised to advance the Hertfordshire data centre with strategic partnerships and community-focused developments.
