READING, United Kingdom – Plans have been submitted for a £200 million data centre on the site of Microsoft’s former UK headquarters in Thames Valley Park, with a planning decision expected by March.
The proposal would see three existing office buildings at the Earley business park demolished to make way for the new facility.
Its main buildings would reach up to 30.5 metres (100 feet) high, roughly equivalent to a 10-storey residential block.
Property owner Mapeley submitted the application to Wokingham Borough Council, describing the project as an investment in Britain’s expanding digital infrastructure network.
Data Centre Could Require 110MW Of Power
Planning documents show the completed data centre could require up to 110 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
However, only 1.8MW of capacity from the National Grid is currently available to the site.
To bridge the gap while the local electricity network is upgraded, developers have proposed using natural gas-powered generation equipment on site.
The facility would also include backup generators, power infrastructure and office space.
Developers have separately raised the possibility of using waste heat generated by the data centre to supply a future district heating network in Reading.
The proposed network could eventually provide heat to facilities including the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the University of Reading and local schools.
The development is expected to create up to 65 jobs once operational.
Mixed Reaction To £200m Development
The plans have attracted mixed reactions from members of the public.
Supporters have argued that Thames Valley Park is an appropriate location for major digital infrastructure, while others have raised concerns about the environmental impact of the project.
Issues raised include noise, heat generation, carbon emissions, wildlife and the development’s proximity to Thames Valley Park Nature Reserve.
A biodiversity assessment submitted as part of the application estimates that the project would deliver more than 22% biodiversity net gain, exceeding the government’s 10pc requirement.
Fewer Parking Spaces Planned
The proposal would dramatically reduce the number of parking spaces at the site, from 1,092 to 72.
Despite the reduction, developers estimate that the data centre would generate around 1,700 fewer vehicle movements each day compared with the site’s previous office use.
Mapeley acquired the Microsoft site in 2005 and has since proposed redeveloping it as part of its investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Microsoft is expected to move into the existing HERE building, also located in Thames Valley Park, by the end of 2027.
