Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss
Data centres drive digital progress – but without clean, resilient energy they could also be its downfall, warns UrbanChain’s Charlie Parry The recent announcement of a £150 billion UK–US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ marks a bold step in transatlantic cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure and high-growth industries. But the deal risks
Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for the George Street hotel project in Leeds, working in partnership with Leeds City Council. A PCSA enables the early involvement of a contractor to contribute expertise during the design and planning stages. This early collaboration helps
Network Space has completed the sale of the final development plot at Tunstall Arrow Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, to Metalcraft Projects UK, part of the Metalcraft Group, marking the successful conclusion of one of the city’s most significant brownfield regeneration projects. The plot, fronting James Brindley Way, was sold for an
Revo, the leading forum for UK retail-led mixed-use real estate, has announced two significant additions to its executive board as it continues to guide the evolution of the nation’s retail and leisure environments. The organisation has appointed Toby Ogilvie Smals, director of retail investments at Savills, and Nick Thornton, founder
Avison Young strengthens workplace experience and marketing teams at Lakeside Lakeside North Harbour (Lakeside), Portsmouth’s leading workspace, managed by Avison Young, has appointed two new members. Asia Torr joins as a Customer Service Apprentice, working in the Workplace Experience team at Lakeside while undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship with HTP
One of the UK’s leading testing specialists is celebrating after landing its largest ever distribution agreement. Staht has joined forces with Leach’s to broaden its reputation in the scaffolding sector and provide new routes to market for the firm’s products that are delivering new digital pull testing and proof loading
Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) by UAP Ltd has once again been named Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards, recognising its continued leadership in raising competence and accountability across the fire door industry. This consecutive win marks another milestone for FDM, which has redefined fire door
Prologis UK has leased the 261,147 sq. ft. DC2 facility at Prologis Park Hams Hall to Fiege, one of Europe’s leading logistics providers. The deal marked Fiege’s entry into the UK market, where it is servicing a major existing e-commerce client. Located just one mile from Junction 9 of the
DC01UK today announced the sale of its South Mimms data centre site in Hertfordshire to Equinix, one of the world’s largest data centre companies and operators. The deal represents one of the largest infrastructure and real estate transactions in the world in recent years. This milestone transaction marks a defining
Fit-out specialist 8build has returned to profitability after successfully refocusing its business model towards faster-moving, fixed-price contracts and securing a strong pipeline of aviation work. The London-based contractor reported a £2.2 million pre-tax profit for the year ending 31 March 2025, marking a major turnaround from a £1.2 million loss the previous year. Turnover rose by more than a third to £167 million as the company shifted away from protracted pre-construction services agreements (PCSAs) towards lump-sum and design-and-build contracts that convert to site more quickly. Average operating margins improved from 0.6 per cent, though they remain relatively tight at 1 per cent. Cash reserves also grew 38 per cent to £19 million, with the company maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. Chief executive Nick Bellamy said that tighter bid discipline, streamlined overheads and a record secured pipeline had laid the foundations for another strong trading year ahead. “The markets, in our experience, have moved away from PCSA contracts and towards more fixed-price lump-sum and fixed-price design-and-build contracts,” he explained. “This has reduced the time period from enquiry to construction compared to the elongated PCSA process, helping to bolster our revenue for the period.” The company’s resurgence has been further fuelled by growth in its aviation division. While 8build has long maintained a strong presence at London City Airport, it has recently expanded its portfolio with new project wins at both Heathrow and Gatwick, reinforcing its position in the specialist airport fit-out and refurbishment sector. Looking ahead, Bellamy said 8build was well placed for sustained momentum, with £157 million of turnover already secured for the 2025/26 financial year and a £165 million forward order book in place. “Our focus remains on delivering predictable performance, maintaining strong client relationships and continuing to target high-quality projects in sectors where we can add real value,” he added. 8build’s return to the black marks a significant step forward for the business, reflecting the success of its fixed-price pivot and disciplined approach to operational delivery. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Data centres drive digital progress – but without clean, resilient energy they could also be its downfall, warns UrbanChain’s Charlie Parry The recent announcement of a £150 billion UK–US ‘Tech Prosperity Deal’ marks a bold step in transatlantic cooperation on AI, digital infrastructure and high-growth industries. But the deal risks overlooking one fundamental fact: technology doesn’t prosper without power. The UK’s data centres currently consume approximately 2.5% of the national electricity supply, a figure comparable to the power needs of the entire city of Birmingham. Projections from parliamentary analysis indicate a potential quadrupling of this electricity usage to over 22 terawatt-hours annually by 2030. Concurrently, the International Energy Agency has issued a warning that AI-driven workloads could account for more than 20% of the additional electricity demand in developed economies by the close of this decade. Data centres are the backbone of digital growth — but without clean, affordable, and resilient energy, they risk becoming the Achilles’ heel of national competitiveness. The hidden cost of digital growth Many UK data centres still largely depend on fossil fuels. Even those claiming “100% renewable” often rely on separate certificates that have little to do with their actual power consumption. Simultaneously, worsening connection queues and grid constraints pose a problem: FTSE 250 executives recently cautioned that without immediate grid improvements, the UK risks lagging behind countries offering quicker, greener power for data-intensive sectors. From challenge to opportunity Done right, the rise of data centres can accelerate the clean-energy transition. They can support new renewable energy generation, battery storage, and flexibility services by establishing consistent demand, as long as transparent systems are in place to align supply with demand. That’s where UrbanChain comes in. UrbanChain: building the renewable energy operating system Based at Manchester Science Park, UrbanChain has developed a renewable energy operating system that directly matches renewable generators with consumers. Unlike traditional suppliers reliant on wholesale markets or unlinked certificates, UrbanChain creates private energy markets that deliver 24/7 traceable renewable power, competitive pricing and insulation from wholesale volatility. Our platform doesn’t just prove that clean energy can be cost-competitive — it makes it measurable, verifiable and fully traceable in real time. In-focus: powering a major London data centre with 24/7 renewables UrbanChain has just signed a critical deal to supply 40 GWh of renewable power annually to a major Greater London data centre. This is our first data-centre client and a blueprint for how digital infrastructure can decarbonise while enhancing resilience. Through blockchain-based technology, UrbanChain will match the data centre’s demand directly with verified renewable generators, providing transparent, hour-by-hour proof of origin — not paper certificates. This partnership showcases how vital infrastructure, such as data centres, can spearhead decarbonisation efforts. We guarantee that tenants, ranging from financial services to AI innovators, can rely on both the cost and the carbon credentials of their power supply by offering directly traceable renewable energy. We’re demonstrating that traceable renewable energy offers more than just sustainability benefits; it’s also commercially competitive, resilient, and specifically designed for high-growth industries such as data centres. Why this matters for the prosperity deal To succeed, the UK-US prosperity deal needs to move beyond silicon and software, focusing instead on clean energy infrastructure that can sustainably power digital expansion. This involves integrating renewable operating systems, such as UrbanChain’s, into data-centre planning, aligning investment zones with renewable energy generation, and recognising the importance of exporting climate-tech alongside deep-tech. UrbanChain exemplifies how British innovation can achieve both, bridging the energy and digital transitions. A digital future built on clean power The prosperity deal is an economic milestone, but true prosperity depends on more than code, capital, and chips. It depends on energy that is traceable, affordable, and resilient. UrbanChain is ensuring that the UK’s data-driven future runs on clean power — and in doing so, showing exactly the kind of scalable innovation the £150 billion deal was designed to support. Charlie Parry is Chief Development Officer at UrbanChain, the Manchester-based CleanTech company behind the UK’s first renewable energy operating system. With a background in large-scale infrastructure and clean energy innovation, he leads UrbanChain’s partnerships with data centres, utilities, and international investors — helping critical industries transition to traceable, 24/7 renewable power. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed to deliver the Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) for the George Street hotel project in Leeds, working in partnership with Leeds City Council. A PCSA enables the early involvement of a contractor to contribute expertise during the design and planning stages. This early collaboration helps improve buildability, cost certainty, risk management, and overall project delivery. This appointment marks an exciting step forward in supporting the Council’s vision for the continued regeneration of Leeds city centre. Christian White, Pre-Construction Director at Clegg Construction Ltd, said: “We are delighted that Leeds City Council has appointed Clegg Construction to deliver PCSA services on this important project. We look forward to working collaboratively with key project stakeholders and the wider community over the coming months.” Clegg Construction has worked on a range of high-profile projects in Leeds in recent years, including the £37m Fabric Works student accommodation scheme in Leylands Road, the multi-million-pound refurbishment of Hotel Indigo Leeds, and the 11-storey build-to-rent development of Spinners Yard. The company has also recently been appointed to build a prestigious eight-storey office development on the corner of Wellington Street. Michael Sims, Managing Director at Clegg Construction Ltd, added: “Our continued presence in Leeds reflects not only the trust our clients place in us but also our dedication to creating spaces that contribute to the city’s growth and character.” Leeds City Council has welcomed the PCSA appointment, which signals progress in the development of a new hotel in George Street. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Sustainable Development, said: “The council has a long-standing ambition to deliver a hotel on its land at George Street. The appointment of Clegg Construction represents an important step on the journey to that ambition being realised, and we look forward to working with them on a project that underlines our commitment to regeneration and economic growth.” With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Network Space has completed the sale of the final development plot at Tunstall Arrow Business Park, Stoke-on-Trent, to Metalcraft Projects UK, part of the Metalcraft Group, marking the successful conclusion of one of the city’s most significant brownfield regeneration projects. The plot, fronting James Brindley Way, was sold for an undisclosed sum following full planning consent from Stoke-on-Trent City Council for a drive-thru coffee shop and an 18-bay ultra-fast EV charging hub. The new facilities will enhance on-site amenities for businesses and motorists while supporting regional sustainability goals. This final transaction brings the 28-acre development to completion, transforming a former colliery into a thriving mixed-use business park within the Ceramic Valley Enterprise Zone (CVEZ). Supported by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the scheme has delivered around 400 jobs, attracted major inward investment and repurposed a long-derelict site. Acquired by Network Space in 2013, Tunstall Arrow occupies a strategic location adjoining the A50 and A527 (James Brindley Way), with easy access to the A500 and M6 Junction 16. Delivered over three phases, the development has attracted national occupiers including DHL Express, Boels Rental, Q-Railing, Pramac-Generac, SG Fleet, and Speedy Services. Earlier disposals included a roadside plot to The Kay Group, now home to a modern petrol filling station and convenience offer. The sale to Metalcraft Projects UK concludes all land transactions within the wider scheme. Joe Burnett, Development Director at Network Space, said: “Completing the final land sale at Tunstall Arrow is a proud moment for everyone involved in the project. What began as a heavily constrained former colliery has been transformed into one of Stoke-on-Trent’s leading business locations – a genuine regeneration success story. “Over the last decade and with the support of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we’ve delivered modern, energy-efficient buildings that have attracted national operators, supported hundreds of local jobs and driven fresh investment into the region’s economy.” He added: “This is a commercial development that not only reuses brownfield land but creates lasting social and economic value for the region. We’re delighted to see it reach its full potential with this final sale.” Nathan Varley, CEO of Metalcraft Group said: “We’re proud to have acquired this site at Tunstall Arrow, which provides an excellent, well-connected base to support our continued growth and investment in the region. The quality of the location and its regeneration story really stood out, and we look forward to joining a strong community of businesses already established at the Park.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Revo, the leading forum for UK retail-led mixed-use real estate, has announced two significant additions to its executive board as it continues to guide the evolution of the nation’s retail and leisure environments. The organisation has appointed Toby Ogilvie Smals, director of retail investments at Savills, and Nick Thornton, founder of Aver PR, as new board directors. Both bring extensive experience and complementary expertise to Revo’s leadership at a pivotal time for the sector. At Savills, Ogilvie Smals leads the acquisition and disposal of retail assets for a wide client base spanning institutions, private equity firms, property companies and asset managers. Having joined Savills as a graduate in 2005, he now draws on more than two decades of experience in the investment market. Meanwhile, Thornton, who founded Aver PR, provides strategic communications advice across the built environment, working with some of the UK’s leading property owners, investors, and advisors. With over 30 years in the sector, his background in reputation management and stakeholder engagement adds a valuable dimension to Revo’s board. Commenting on his appointment, Ogilvie Smals said: “I’m delighted to be joining Revo at a time when the retail and leisure built environment is evolving rapidly in response to shifting consumer behaviours, capital flows and placemaking priorities. I’m looking forward to supporting Revo’s mission by strengthening industry engagement, driving membership growth and helping shape a commercially and socially resilient future for our urban spaces.” Thornton added: “It is a privilege to be joining the recharged Revo board. Retail and leisure destinations have never been more relevant than they are now. Not only are they key drivers of the economy, but they also play a central role in society. Revo’s ambition is to become the recognised voice that champions the excellence and collective contribution of the sector, and I am delighted to play a role in achieving that.” The appointments follow Revo’s governance reshuffle earlier this year, which saw Vivienne King named chair of the executive board. She said: “Toby and Nick’s appointments further reinforce the strength of our board, representing senior expertise across investment, PR, consultancy, sustainability and market intelligence – all vital to shaping the transformative future of the UK’s retail and leisure landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Avison Young strengthens workplace experience and marketing teams at Lakeside Lakeside North Harbour (Lakeside), Portsmouth’s leading workspace, managed by Avison Young, has appointed two new members. Asia Torr joins as a Customer Service Apprentice, working in the Workplace Experience team at Lakeside while undertaking a Level 3 apprenticeship with HTP Apprenticeship College. In her day to day role, Asia welcomes visitors and occupiers, manages meeting room bookings, and ensures that events and meetings run smoothly, including catering and technical setup. Asia has recently attended a three-day induction in Birmingham, where she joined new starters from across the UK for training and networking. Also joining the team is Gemma Abraham, who transitioned from the Workplace Experience team into a new role as a Marketing Apprentice. After seven years at Lakeside, Gemma is now part of the marketing team, supporting campaigns, events, and occupier engagement across the business campus. Motivated by personal growth and inspired by the career journeys of colleagues, Gemma started the 18-month apprenticeship programme. She has so far led Lakeside’s Recycle Week campaign, which included daily activities, digital content, talks with occupiers, and more. Simon Bateman, Asset Manager at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “It’s fantastic to see both Gemma and Asia grow within Lakeside. Their energy, passion, and enthusiasm bring real value to our team, and their appointments are part of a wider investment in our people and in enhancing the occupier experience at Lakeside.” “Both Gemma and Asia have brought great energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to the team. It’s exciting to see talent growing within the business, and both appointments are part of a wider focus on nurturing careers, expanding our capabilities, and delivering even more value to our clients and occupiers.” Gemma Abraham, Marketing Executive at Lakeside North Harbour, added: “I was inspired by seeing others progress at Lakeside and knew I wanted to learn something new. Working in front of house gave me a great foundation in building relationships, and I’m excited to build on that in a more creative and strategic way. I’ve already had the chance to lead a Recycle Week campaign, organising daily activities, creating content, and working directly with occupiers – and I’m really enjoying the variety and freedom the role brings.” Asia Torr, Customer Service Apprentice at Lakeside North Harbour, said: “I’ve been at Lakeside for just over eight weeks, and I already feel like part of the team. I’m learning so much through the apprenticeship and getting to understand all aspects of front of house service.” These appointments reflect Lakeside’s continued investment in its people and its ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional workplace experience for everyone. Lakeside offers a stunning rural setting, alongside a 19-acre lake with woodland and an abundance of outdoor space.For more information or to enquire about space at Lakeside North Harbour, visit https://lakesidenorthharbour.com/. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading testing specialists is celebrating after landing its largest ever distribution agreement. Staht has joined forces with Leach’s to broaden its reputation in the scaffolding sector and provide new routes to market for the firm’s products that are delivering new digital pull testing and proof loading technology. The breakthrough deal comes after the Black Country-based firm sealed Product of the Year 2025 at the NASC Scaffolding Excellence Awards in Manchester. Its t25 Digital Pull Tester impressed a high-profile judging panel for its innovation and impact on site safety, not to mention the way the company’s technology is reshaping scaffolding practices across the UK. Compact, cloud-connected and built for rigorous verification of anchors and safety eyebolts up to 25 kN, the product is replacing analogue gauges and paper records with a streamlined digital workflow. Each test is instantly captured and securely logged, ensuring traceability, compliance, and faster documentation on every job. “This award is a milestone for the team and our customers,” explained Staht Managing Director Rob Hirst, who collected the prize in front of hosts Clare Balding and Alex Jones and guests Leigh Francis and Mike Tindall. “The t25 makes tie testing faster, clearer and properly documented, which means safer scaffolds, fewer revisits and immediate proof of compliance on every job. We are proud to see digital testing becoming the new standard in scaffolding.” The recognition reinforces Staht’s role in advancing the industry from manual gauges and paperwork to digital, verifiable reporting that supports compliance with BS 8539, BS 7883, and NASC TG4 guidance. With every test automatically logged and tamper proof, scaffolders can show clear evidence of safety and professionalism. “It has been a real breakthrough year for the business, with the recent Leach’s distribution agreement and ongoing work with 360 Degrees Consultancy, which publicly uses the t25 and t60 for rigorous pull testing,” added Rob. “We are on course to pass the £1m barrier in 2026 and, in order to build on this, we have increased our team to six people with a new marketing specialist joining to help us tell our story.” David Bezant, Marketing Manager at Leach’s, concluded: “The t25 is revolutionising the market and our distribution agreement with Staht marks an exciting chapter for both companies. “The feedback we have had already is fantastic and it’s a true testament to the hard work Rob and the team have put in to create world-class, industry leading products.” For further information, please visit www.staht.com or follow the company across its social media channels Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) by UAP Ltd has once again been named Training Company of the Year at the 2025 National Fenestration Awards, recognising its continued leadership in raising competence and accountability across the fire door industry. This consecutive win marks another milestone for FDM, which has redefined fire door training since launching in 2024 as the UK’s first hands-on, practical training centre dedicated solely to fire door education. Over the past 18 months, more than 1,200 professionals – from architects and installers to Responsible Persons and landlords – have completed FDM’s GQA-accredited courses. Each programme combines practical experience with rigorous assessment to embed life-saving competence at every stage of the fire door lifecycle. In 2025, FDM also hosted a national industry roundtable on fire door competence, joined by leading figures including Dame Judith Hackitt, whose endorsement recognised FDM as “an exemplar of good practice” in the built environment. Insights from this event directly informed FDM’s report, Raising Standards in the Fire Door Industry, shaping its roadmap for continued impact across the sector. Looking ahead, FDM is expanding its national footprint. In partnership with the Fire Protection Association (FPA), it will open a second state-of-the-art training centre in Oxford in January 2026, further strengthening the availability of specialist fire safety education across the UK. Nicola John, Managing Director at FDM by UAP Ltd, said: “To be named Training Company of the Year for the second year running is an incredible honour, and a reflection of how far the industry has come in recognising the value of competence and practical training. Our mission has always been to drive change through education, and we’re proud to be leading that shift. But this is only the beginning. We’re committed to building a safer, more competent future, one fire door, one learner, and one project at a time.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Prologis UK has leased the 261,147 sq. ft. DC2 facility at Prologis Park Hams Hall to Fiege, one of Europe’s leading logistics providers. The deal marked Fiege’s entry into the UK market, where it is servicing a major existing e-commerce client. Located just one mile from Junction 9 of the M42 and 10 miles from Birmingham city centre, Hams Hall offered Fiege excellent connectivity. The park sits at the heart of the UK motorway network and includes an on-site intermodal rail freight terminal linking directly to major seaports and the Channel Tunnel. This strategic position enabled Fiege to strengthen its client’s European fulfilment network and respond directly to rising UK demand for e-commerce fulfilment services. From Hams Hall, the company can manage cross-border flows more effectively, shorten delivery times, and reduce transport miles by serving customers from a centrally located hub. The site also provides the scalability Fiege needs to grow, ensuring future capacity in one of the UK’s most competitive logistics markets. Kristian Loepert, Senior Manager Key Accounts & Real Estate at Fiege, said: “Opening our first UK site was a milestone for Fiege. The quality and readiness of Hams Hall made it the right choice for our expansion, allowing us to support our client with a modern and highly efficient operation. We were excited to build on our trusted relationship with Prologis, who already support us across Europe.” DC2 was delivered to Prologis’ high sustainability standards. The facility achieved net zero carbon in construction, holds a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification, and has an EPC A rating. Its enhanced fit-out included smart LED lighting, full sprinkler and frost-protection systems, and EV-ready car parking bays, saving incoming occupiers up to £2.95 million and 24 weeks of installation lead time. Fiege also benefited from a comprehensive turnkey solution through Prologis Essentials, which included wide-aisle racking, a full office fit-out, modern staff welfare amenities, and IT and power infrastructure. Delivered alongside the enhanced base build, these measures allowed the company to accelerate its start-up schedule and ensure operations could begin without delay. Jason Pickering, Director, Capital Deployment at Prologis UK, said: “By providing a move-in ready facility through our Essentials platform, we enabled Fiege to focus on their customer from day one rather than on set-up. It’s a practical example of how we reduce lead times and de-risk market entry for our customers.” With this agreement, Prologis Park Hams Hall became fully occupied. The park is already home to leading brands including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, DHL and Kuehne+Nagel, reinforcing its role as a hub for manufacturing and logistics in the West Midlands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DC01UK today announced the sale of its South Mimms data centre site in Hertfordshire to Equinix, one of the world’s largest data centre companies and operators. The deal represents one of the largest infrastructure and real estate transactions in the world in recent years. This milestone transaction marks a defining moment for UK digital infrastructure. With a projected total investment value in the region of £3.9bn, the deal lays the foundation for one of Europe’s largest and most advanced data centre campuses – a project of unprecedented scale and ambition that will drive the next wave of cloud and AI innovation. The 85-acre site in South Mimms, Hertsmere – now named the ‘Hertfordshire Campus’ by Equinix – will deliver over two million square feet of cutting-edge data centre space. Designed to meet both current and future demand for data, storage, and AI-powered services, the campus will set a new benchmark for excellence in digital infrastructure. The sale reflects a strategic vision executed at pace by the DC01UK team, underpinned by collaboration with experts, local and national government and precision planning. Once operational, the development is expected to support thousands of skilled jobs nationwide through the wider digital supply chain and contribute billions to the UK economy. This pivotal sale also highlights the UK’s growing prominence in global digital infrastructure investment. It follows the Government’s designation of data centres as Critical National Infrastructure last year – an announcement that majored on the scale and ambition of the DC01UK project. James Craig, Director of DC01UK, said: “This is a landmark moment for the UK and a powerful example of local entrepreneurship driving national innovation. The ambition behind the DC01UK project is extraordinary and we are delighted that the vision for this project will be taken forward by leading experts committed to delivering it to the highest standards, maintaining our ambition, realising the community benefits, and embedding themselves in the growth and future of Hertfordshire. For us, it’s a proud moment that also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we continue to progress other UK data centre development opportunities to drive further innovation and investment in this space across the UK.” Andy Brewer, Director of DC01UK, said: “This deal marks a significant step forward for this world-class project and for the UK’s digital future. It was born of local ingenuity and determination and aligns closely with the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a global leader in AI and advanced technology. With one of the world’s largest operators now taking our vision forward, the project is entering an exciting new phase, one that will help position the UK at the forefront of the data revolution.” Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank, who advised on the project, said: “This is a seismic moment for the UK’s infrastructure landscape. The scale, ambition and strategic value of this site are unmatched. It’s rare to find a location that ticks every box – power, connectivity, proximity to key markets – and this one does. Today’s announcement gives the UK a major leg up in the global AI infrastructure race.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals