Harworth Group plc and Microsoft have taken a significant step forward at Skelton Grange in Leeds, after receiving a resolution to grant planning consent for a major data centre and industrial and logistics development.
The scheme, located in West Yorkshire, will deliver a hyperscale data centre campus alongside supporting infrastructure, forming part of a wider regeneration and development strategy for the site. Full planning permission has been sought for approximately 500,000 sq ft of data centre space across three buildings, supported by ancillary facilities. In addition, outline consent has been granted for a further 160,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics accommodation, alongside electric vehicle charging infrastructure on an adjoining 16 acre plot.
The development represents a key milestone in the ongoing partnership between Harworth and Microsoft, following the completion of the first phase of the land transaction in June 2024. This initial phase comprised the sale of 27 acres, with Harworth continuing to undertake site remediation and enabling works to prepare the land for development. A second phase, covering a further 21 acres, is also progressing, with additional value to be realised upon completion of the sale.
The Skelton Grange scheme is expected to play a major role in driving regional economic growth, with the wider development estimated to generate around £4 billion of inward investment once fully delivered. The project also highlights the increasing demand for well located, power enabled land capable of supporting data centres and other energy intensive uses.
Beyond the immediate scheme, Harworth retains further development capacity within the surrounding area, including adjacent land and its nearby Gateway 45 site. The company’s broader portfolio includes significant power connections, positioning it to capitalise on continued growth in the data centre sector and other high demand occupier markets.
The resolution to grant planning consent underlines the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors in delivering large scale, infrastructure led developments. It also reinforces the strategic importance of sites such as Skelton Grange in supporting the UK’s digital economy, while unlocking long term value through regeneration and investment.
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