CyrusOne invests GBP £1.2 billion in sustainable data centre
CyrusOne has announced plans for a new data centre facility in Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire, with a planned IT capacity of 90 megawatts, marking its sixth development in the London region.
The company detailed that the facility, named LON6, will provide 30,000 square metres of technical space, divided across four double-story and two single-story data halls. Construction is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026, with initial power delivery expected by mid-2027 and the first capacity anticipated to be operational in early 2028.
Matt Pullen, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Europe at CyrusOne, explained the importance of the development in support of the company's growth objectives.
"This development marks an important step in our European growth journey. We're thrilled to be announcing our plans for this new facility and continuing our growth in London. As demand for digital services continues to accelerate, larger facilities are necessary to provide the economies of scale that customers need, while also ensuring maximum functionality and mitigated risk of downtime. The UK market enables us to respond to these requirements, and we look forward to continuing our expansion and supporting the Government to establish the UK as a center of excellence in digital services for technology innovation," Pullen stated.
The facility's design emphasises environmental integration, with features such as green roofs, planted walls, and a commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. CyrusOne has reported that the development will achieve a 71% Biodiversity Net Gain for local habitats, which is substantially higher than the 10% required by government regulation. The plans include the planting of 670 trees, over 7,000 square metres of new woodland, and more than 90,000 square metres of mixed meadow and acid grassland.
Furthermore, the company aims to deliver a BREEAM "Excellent" rating for the site and expects on-site photovoltaic panels to cover 64% of the regulated office energy demand. The facility will be powered by 100% certified renewable electricity sourced from SSEN via the Iver Grid Supply Point. Extensive landscaping plans are set to restore and reconnect the surrounding environment, particularly enhancing the Colne Valley Regional Park by creating an ecologically rich parkland and new habitats. Of the total green space developed, 72,800 square metres will be accessible to the public and will feature an edible landscape, a biodiverse lake, woodland walks, and a cycle path.
To support the long-term sustainability of these features, CyrusOne has committed to a Landscape Ecological Management Plan, which will ensure ongoing maintenance and public access to the green spaces for a minimum of 25 years. The site will include a 'hidden valley' providing road access, landscaped terraces to maximise daylight and ventilation for customer and employee offices, rainwater collection and reuse systems, and free air cooling utilising ambient air when possible. Additionally, half of the facility's parking spaces will be equipped with charging hubs for electric vehicles.
Economic impact
The company outlined the anticipated economic benefits, with a total investment of more than GBP £1.2 billion projected for the local and national economy. The facility is expected to require over 580 full-time equivalent (FTE) construction jobs during its development phase, and once operational, will provide employment for a further 540 FTE skilled workers across operations such as engineering, sustainability, and security, as well as more than 30 apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Secretary of State for Science Peter Kyle said: "This fantastic new facility will help to power many of our online tasks, from navigating with online maps, to messaging and shopping online and we are committed to growing this vital infrastructure and giving the UK the opportunity to thrive in the 21st century. "Through our AI Opportunities Action Plan, we promised to transform these digital powerhouses into platforms for progress, creating jobs and unlocking breakthroughs that will benefit people across the country. As a result of this new facility in Buckinghamshire, local people will benefit from the creation of 540 long term new jobs, including roles in engineering, sustainability and security, and over 30 apprenticeship opportunities for young people – turbocharging economic growth in the area and helping us deliver on our Plan for Change."
As part of the proposal, the development will include a training centre built using stone gabion cladding, with facilities designed to support both employees and students. The centre will be situated within the campus but outside the secure perimeter for easy access. This education and training provision continues CyrusOne's relationship with the UTC Heathrow, aiming to enhance both economic and educational opportunities within the community and the wider region.
"We've been working hand-in-hand with Apt, Atelier Ten, Cameo Landscape Architects, HDR, Ramboll, Cratus, Montagu Evans and Radcliffes Environmental on the proposals and designs, alongside Longcross Land, who provided investment guidance. It's been a fantastic experience collaborating with industry leading firms aligned to our sustainability and community focused vision, and we look forward to seeing the plans come to life. Additionally, we've received support from HM Treasury, the UK Department of Business & Trade (DBT), Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) and the Office for Investment (OFI) which has been critical in progressing with the project and reaching this important milestone," Pullen added, commenting on the collaborative approach taken with several partner organisations.
