McLaren wins Ada's first 70MW Docklands data centre

McLaren Construction has secured the shell-and-core contract for the first 70MW building at Ada Infrastructure's planned Docklands data centre campus in London's Royal Docks.

The first phase is part of a 210MW scheme comprising three 70MW data centre buildings. The campus will be Ada Infrastructure's first development in Europe.

McLaren will deliver the shell and core of the initial building. The scope also covers infrastructure works across the wider campus, including interface works for a future district heating network.

Ada has positioned the Docklands site as a hub for AI, cloud and hyperscale operations. The development builds on its experience across the Americas and Japan, where it has several campuses at various stages of operation and development.

Site plans

In addition to the three data centre buildings, the project includes a community multi-purpose facility and enhanced public spaces around the site.

The designs include improved pedestrian and cycling routes along the River Thames, repairs and upgrades to the Thames river wall, and construction of a new flood-defence barrier.

The scheme reflects wider interest in large-scale data centre capacity around London, where operators and investors continue to target sites with strong connectivity and access to power. Docklands has a long-established cluster of digital infrastructure and network exchange points, which has drawn colocation and hyperscale development over time.

Cooling and materials

The data centre buildings will include air and liquid cooling systems designed to operate without water evaporation. Plans also include low-carbon building materials and provisions for district heating interconnection.

Ada described the campus as engineered to be AI-ready from day one and capable of adapting to the intensive power and cooling demands associated with AGPU-based applications. The campus has been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating.

James Moloney, Head of Ada Infrastructure EMEA, said appointing the contractor marked progress on the project.

"The appointment of McLaren Construction is an important step in bringing this vision to life. Their experience delivering complex data centre and infrastructure projects will be instrumental as we transform this long-vacant site into a sustainable, future-focused campus that also enhances public spaces and contributes to the wider regeneration of the Royal Docks," said James Moloney, Head of Ada Infrastructure EMEA, Ada Infrastructure.

Supply chain

McLaren said its supply chain includes Capital Concrete and Keltbray Environmental, and that the approach supports local jobs and reduces carbon emissions.

Confirmed partners at this stage include Keltbray for CFA piling and Menard for BMC piling. Gallagher will provide groundwork and civils, and William Hare will deliver the steel frame.

Gareth Peebles, Divisional Director at McLaren Construction, highlighted the range of disciplines required for large-scale projects in Docklands.

"A project of this scale requires a balance of expertise across multiple disciplines, including putting health and safety as a top priority. McLaren has built a tried-and-tested team of specialists in civil, structural, architectural and MEP packages, infrastructure and data centre fit out. We will combine that expertise with our experience of safe and successful delivering within the many constraints of London's Docklands sites," said Gareth Peebles, Divisional Director, McLaren Construction.

McLaren said it has delivered more than £1 billion in data centre projects across the UK and the Middle East, spanning hyperscale, Class 4, colocation and bespoke facilities. Past locations include London, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The shell-and-core contract is scheduled to complete in mid-2028. Ada said the first building is expected to be ready for occupation by the end of 2028.