Zayo to connect QTS Cambois AI campus in Northumberland

Zayo Europe will provide connectivity infrastructure for a QTS data centre campus in Cambois, Northumberland, described as one of the UK's largest AI and cloud data centre developments.

The multi-billion-pound project is expected to support up to 720MW of AI-ready infrastructure when fully operational. QTS is developing the campus, while Zayo Europe is building the fibre links that will connect it to the wider network.

Under the agreement, Zayo Europe will build four diverse fibre routes to the site. The links will connect the campus directly to its UK fibre network, with access to cities including London, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

The site will also connect through Zayo Europe's Tier-1 IP network to destinations in Europe and the US. Alongside serving the data centre, the company plans to deliver internet services to the surrounding community and provide open access for other carriers and customers that need connectivity.

Regional shift

The Northumberland development reflects a broader push to expand digital infrastructure outside London and the South East. The concentration of data centres and network assets in those regions has become a growing concern as operators seek sites with access to power, land and long-haul connectivity.

The Cambois site has been designated an AI Growth Zone, linking it to the UK's wider ambition to build more domestic infrastructure for artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Large-scale campuses are increasingly being planned in regions where grid constraints may be less severe than in parts of the capital.

Colman Deegan, CEO of Zayo Europe, said the project illustrates that shift.

"The QTS data centre, designated as an AI Growth Zone, is a landmark project for the UK, and Zayo Europe is proud to deliver the high-capacity, resilient connectivity that makes it possible. Much of the UK's digital infrastructure is currently concentrated in London and the South East, where the grid is under pressure and capacity is limited. Expanding beyond the capital eases that pressure and diversifies connectivity and power. Extending Zayo Europe's leading-edge digital infrastructure to this site will create high-performance, resilient connectivity that supports innovation across the UK. Through its extensive UK fibre backbone network, Zayo Europe is well positioned to support AI projects across the UK, which helps establish the country as a global leader in AI," Deegan said.

Local impact

Northumberland County Council said the data centre campus would also support a fund of up to £110 million to invest in job creation and local infrastructure.

The project therefore sits within a wider regional economic plan as well as the UK's national digital infrastructure agenda. Large data centre developments are often promoted not only for computing capacity, but also for their effect on construction activity, network investment and local employment.

Brent Bensten, Chief Technology Officer at QTS, tied the development to those regional aims.

"QTS is committed to driving meaningful economic impact in the North East, creating jobs, supporting regional regeneration, and expanding access to advanced digital capabilities."

Our Cambois data centre puts the UK at the heart of AI innovation and digital transformation. We're delighted to work with Zayo Europe to lay the foundations for nationwide AI growth," Bensten said.

The council also highlighted the local benefits it expects as the project moves forward.

"This work brings with it many benefits through a significant investment in the digital infrastructure of the County, which will bring job creation, upskilling and further growth opportunities. It is a positive next step to deliver this datacentre," said Glen Sanderson, council leader of Northumberland County Council.

Zayo Europe's network connects more than 600 data centres across 13 countries and 47 markets in Europe. QTS, which is backed by Blackstone, operates data centres in North America and Europe and is expanding its footprint as demand grows for large sites that can support AI and cloud workloads.