AI-ready data centre planned for East Manchester site

Latos Data Centres has unveiled plans for an AI-ready data centre on Bower Street in East Manchester and has opened a public consultation ahead of submitting a planning application to Manchester City Council.

The proposed project, Latos Manchester East, would be built on a vacant brownfield site at the corner of Bower Street and Ten Acres Lane. The site is in the Lowry Park industrial area next to the Rochdale Canal.

Latos describes the proposed facility as a "Neural Edge" data centre, designed to meet growing demand for artificial intelligence workloads. It also presents the scheme as part of broader investment in local digital infrastructure as Manchester's technology sector expands.

Data centres house computing and storage systems that support digital services, including online banking, streaming platforms, cloud storage and AI tools. In recent years, UK operators and developers have faced rising demand from cloud providers and businesses deploying AI models.

Edge Computing

Latos distinguishes between conventional data centres and what it calls neural edge facilities. The edge model aims to reduce latency by placing computing closer to users and devices. Potential applications include augmented reality, smart manufacturing and predictive healthcare.

Developers have increasingly promoted edge facilities for workloads where speed and responsiveness matter, such as industrial automation and some consumer services. These projects also tend to face tighter site constraints in built-up areas and closer scrutiny from local communities and planners.

Site Design

The scheme would comprise two buildings, with the data halls positioned furthest from neighbouring homes. The plans include retaining existing trees where possible and adding planting to create a landscaped buffer along the boundary, which Latos says will also improve the canalside setting.

Environmental measures are part of the early design work. Latos says the building layout and fabric will prioritise energy efficiency, alongside water efficiency, sustainable drainage, biodiversity and materials selection.

Across the sector, data centre operators face public questions about electricity use and water consumption. Planning authorities often seek more detail on noise, traffic, visual impact and resilience. In Manchester and across the North West, proposals have drawn particular interest as grid capacity and land availability influence where projects can proceed.

Safety And Assessments

Latos says the facility will be designed to meet health and safety standards and will include fire detection and suppression systems, as well as secure perimeter fencing.

Technical assessments are under way, including noise and air quality studies, which are expected to support the planning application. Latos says the scheme will align with Manchester City Council requirements.

The public consultation runs until Monday 16 March 2026. A drop-in session is also scheduled at Newton Heath Library in March.

Andrew Collin, managing director of Latos Data Centres, said the company sees the project as both regeneration and infrastructure investment.

"Manchester is one of the UK's leading digital cities, and we are excited to be bringing forward proposals that would support its continued growth. Our ambition is to regenerate a vacant brownfield site and deliver a high-quality, sustainable data centre that operates to the highest environmental and safety standards. We are committed to being a good neighbour - designing and managing the facility carefully, listening to local feedback, and working closely with the community and the Council throughout the planning process and beyond," Collin said.

Company Pipeline

Latos was founded in 2021 and is developing a portfolio of data centres across the UK. It says its first UK facility is an AI-ready site in Stockton-on-Tees, with a stated value of £100 million, and that construction is under way.

The Manchester proposal would add to its development pipeline at a time when AI-related demand is influencing data centre design and location decisions. If the company submits its application in the coming weeks, the council will set the timetable for determination and public comment through the formal planning process.