Plans are moving forward for the first data centre at Blackpool’s landmark Silicon Sands digital infrastructure site, marking a major milestone in the town’s ambition to become a leading hub for sustainable technology and data innovation. An application for planning permission is due to be submitted before Christmas for a 6MW carbon-friendly data centre alongside 20,000 sq ft of office and research space. The development has already attracted strong interest from private sector investors keen to be part of the Fylde Coast’s emerging digital economy. Located next to Blackpool Airport, the Silicon Sands project builds on the arrival of the transatlantic Aquacomms cable, which connects the UK to North America and Europe. The initiative is designed to position the region as a strategic location for high-capacity, energy-efficient data infrastructure. The proposed data centre will be powered entirely by renewable energy and will feature advanced liquid immersion cooling to maximise efficiency. Waste heat generated by the facility will also be captured and reused to provide energy for nearby properties — a key element of its sustainable design. Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Built Environment, said the project could be transformative for the area. “Silicon Sands is a transformational opportunity for Blackpool. It can create thousands of well-paid jobs, attract investment, and put us at the forefront of sustainable digital development. That vision is proven by the significant interest we have had from the private sector already. Silicon Sands is about so much more than just data centres though. We are carefully managing the programme so that we can create data centres which are carbon friendly and can even supply waste heat back to local communities.” The first phase of development will be located on the former fire station and engineering yard at Blackpool Airport, which was demolished in 2023, as well as the old administration offices and security point. If approved, the project will signal the start of an ambitious new chapter for Blackpool, establishing Silicon Sands as a pioneering example of how digital infrastructure and sustainability can work hand in hand to drive regional growth. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ILI Group has announced plans for three new hyperscale data centres across Scotland, creating what it calls The Stoics – A £15 billion Green Digital Network spanning the central belt. The projects, named after Stoic philosophers, are located in Fife (Cato), East Ayrshire (Rufus), and North Lanarkshire (Aurelius). The Stoics will stand among the largest hyperscale data centre clusters globally — more than double the size of many of today’s biggest recognised campuses. Each project has secured a grid connection, land rights, and has now entered the planning process. Collectively, The Stoics will form a digital corridor of opportunity, designed to power the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity, and the broader technology economy while being anchored in Scotland’s abundant renewable energy resources. Named after Stoic philosophers, The Stoics embody the values these projects require: Economic & Strategic Impact: By linking Fife, East Ayrshire, and North Lanarkshire, The Stoics create a new strategic digital hub for Scotland, underpinned by renewable energy and positioned to meet the surging demand from AI and next-generation digital services. Mark Wilson, CEO of ILI Group, said:“With The Stoics, we are inspired by ancient wisdom to create modern innovation. These projects will provide the digital backbone needed to power the rise of AI and advanced technologies, while creating a Green Digital Network that delivers jobs, investment, and ensures Scotland leads in the global shift towards a sustainable digital future.” About ILI Group:Intelligent Land Investments Group (ILI) is a leading Scottish clean energy and infrastructure developer with a portfolio of over 4.1 GW of energy storage and digital projects, including: ILI Group achieved a major milestone with the sale of its first 450 MW pumped storage hydro project, Loch na Cathrach at Loch Ness, to Statkraft one of Europe’s largest renewable power generators. This landmark transaction underscores ILI Group’s expertise in developing large-scale infrastructure and its role in shaping the UK’s clean energy and digital future. 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

The Crown Estate has announced plans for a £4.5bn science and technology district at Harwell East in Oxfordshire, following its acquisition of the 221-acre site adjacent to the renowned Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. The large-scale project is set to deliver up to 4.5 million square feet of new laboratory, office, and advanced manufacturing space, alongside around 400 new homes. Once complete, it will become one of the UK’s largest purpose-built research and innovation hubs. Harwell East is expected to generate an estimated £2.5bn for the economy and create around 30,000 jobs, reinforcing the site’s role as a central driver within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc’s growing science corridor. The development forms part of The Crown Estate’s long-term strategy to invest £1.5bn in the UK’s science, innovation, and technology sectors over the next 15 years. Chief executive Dan Labbad said the project reflects The Crown Estate’s ambition to help shape the UK’s future innovation landscape. “Our vision for Harwell East is to create the space where great science can thrive, ensuring the UK remains a world leader in research and innovation,” he said. Planning for the scheme is being led by Crucible, the company founded by former Harwell Campus director Angus Horner, who first conceived the Harwell East concept. The new district follows a series of science-focused initiatives by The Crown Estate, including developments at Cambridge Business Park, Oxford city centre, and Lendlease’s Euston regeneration project in London. Together, these schemes highlight The Crown Estate’s growing commitment to supporting the UK’s knowledge economy through the creation of sustainable, future-ready places for research and technological advancement. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Swedish company, which speeds up prostate cancer diagnosis, chooses Milton Park for its first UK laboratory  Milton Park has welcomed Inify Laboratories Limited as the second occupier at its award-winning Nebula development, with the Swedish digital pathology and AI cancer diagnostics company selecting the innovation community for its first UK laboratory. Inify’s custom-built, AI-enabled laboratory will help it to meet the UK’s rising demand for cancer diagnostics, while easing pressure on NHS pathology services. The company’s move to Milton Park aims to replicate its recent success in Sweden, which sees it handle around 80% of Stockholm’s and 10% of the country’s total number of prostate biopsies. Compared to NHS patients often waiting two to three weeks for results in the UK, Inify’s tests in Sweden guarantee an answer in five working days or less, with an average turnaround of just 3.5 days. As well as the speed of results, Inify says its proprietary AI software, INIFY® Prostate, has been proven in clinical studies to deliver world-leading accuracy, with >99% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Every case is then reviewed by a specialist pathologist before a final report is issued. The new facility at Milton Park’s Nebula development brings Inify’s clinical, laboratory and commercial functions together into a single building. The design of the new laboratory space allows the company to control every stage of its diagnostic chain, from sample logistics, tissue processing and preparation, through to digitisation, AI analysis and review by specialist pathologists. Named Best Commercial Building at the OxProp Awards 2025, Nebula’s flexible layout has also allowed Inify to create a more efficient digital workflow for its teams, which will help to optimise image quality, reporting speed and accuracy of its tests. Kate Bucknall, Managing Director of Inify UK, said: “Our new base at Milton Park is a real milestone in our mission to improving cancer care and reducing delays in patient pathways. Our recent success shows that digitised, AI-supported workflows can halve the time from biopsy to diagnosis, which has been transformative for both patients and clinicians in Sweden. “With around 120,000 prostate biopsy patients requiring support every year, the UK’s demand for diagnostics is around six times larger than in Sweden. In the UK, our ageing population, growing awareness and a national shortage of pathologists and biomedical scientists mean we have a significant bottleneck in prostate diagnosis.  “We want to tackle that challenge head-on in our new facility, by giving patients answers as soon as possible, while providing quality and efficiency gains across the pathway. The Inify lab will have capacity to handle a volume similar to the country’s total demand.” Kate added: “After an extensive search, we chose Milton Park based on its vibrant community, strong transport links and access to exceptional talent near Oxford and London. Nebula was also ideal for us to build a state-of-the-art lab from scratch. The buildings’ eco-friendly credentials, timber frame and light-filled design aligns with our Scandinavian aesthetic and sustainability approach. “The new space is welcoming, for both the Inify team and also for our clinicians and partners. From wellbeing events and sense of community to transport connections, the park is somewhere we feel people will want to come to work.” Tom Booker, Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, commented: “We’re thrilled that Inify has chosen Milton Park as its UK home. The team’s decision to join the Milton Park community reinforces our position as a home for leading life science and med-tech organisations to collaborate, innovate and grow.  “Inify’s work in Sweden is a real example of how innovation can deliver meaningful impact in healthcare. We look forward to seeing the difference it can make on patient outcomes in its new UK base here at Milton Park.” Milton Park’s Nebula development offers flexible workspaces tailored to advanced engineering, R&D and technical operations. With 8-metre roof clearances, open-plan workspaces, mezzanine offices and large roller shutters designed to accommodate heavy machinery. Designed to BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, Nebula’s buildings have incorporated structural glulam timber beams, which reduced the project’s carbon footprint by 686 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 196 return flights to Hong Kong. Occupiers can also benefit from enhanced power capacity, LED lighting, energy-efficient climate control and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. For more information on Milton Park, please visit: www.miltonpark.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wates has formally signed the main works order with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to deliver a major expansion at HMP Wayland in Norfolk, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing prison building programme. The project will deliver a new four-storey houseblock providing 247 additional Category C prison places, alongside a 1,200-capacity kitchen serving the entire prison. Additional facilities will include classrooms, a light industrial workshop, an all-weather sports pitch, and outdoor exercise areas, supporting prisoner rehabilitation and skills development to improve future employment prospects for prison leavers. The expansion forms part of the government’s Accelerated Houseblocks Delivery Programme, contributing to the wider target of creating 14,000 new prison places by 2031. In line with Wates’ commitment to social value, the project will directly employ 10 prison leavers, as well as create 10 apprenticeships and opportunities for upskilling both prisoners and onsite workers. The initiative will also prioritise investment in the local supply chain and SMEs, ensuring economic benefits are felt across the surrounding community. The new houseblock will feature a standardised, modular design using pre-manufactured components to enable efficient and high-quality delivery. It will be fully electric and is targeting BREEAM Excellent or higher, aligning with the Ministry of Justice’s sustainability objectives and supporting lower long-term operational costs. Key delivery partners on the project include SES Engineering Services, SES Manufacturing, FP McCann, and Aden Contracting, with design support from BakerHicks and Pick Everard. The scheme has been procured through the Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Framework. Construction of the new houseblock is expected to be completed by the end of 2028, while a separate £70 million fire safety improvement project across the existing prison is already underway and scheduled for completion in February 2029. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sky and Legal & General have secured planning consent to almost double Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire. Hertsmere councillors have approved the £400m Sky Studios Elstree North project, adding 10 extra stages and 210,000 sq ft of Tier 1 space. The Borehamwood complex will rise to 22 stages across 65 acres and 470,000 sq ft in total. Construction is scheduled to start next year, creating around 600 jobs. The build will be on a similar scale to the original Sky Studios Elstree South complex delivered by BAM. Sky has pledged £6.5m for local road upgrades, a new community green and the safeguarding of 27 acres for wildlife. The professional team includes architect UMC, civil and structural engineer Fairhurst, and M&E consultant Hoare Lea. Sustainability measures span solar panels on every rooftop, LED lighting throughout and a fully electric vehicle fleet. The expansion will also grow Sky Up Academy Studios, offering training and career pathways for 11–18 year olds. By adding 210,000 sq ft of new Tier 1 facilities, the scheme will help address the UK’s projected 1.4m sq ft studio shortfall by 2027—capacity equivalent to at least one additional feature film a year plus multiple high-end TV productions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

AXA IM Alts has secured a resolution to grant planning permission to redevelop part of the former BBC Elstree Studios into a modern film and TV campus, to be rebranded Fairbanks Studios in honour of former owner Douglas Fairbanks Jr. AXA IM Alts acquired 50% of the 16-acre site in January 2024 for £70m. The remaining half, recently upgraded by the BBC and held on a long-term lease for productions including EastEnders, is unaffected. The proposals transform existing studios and ancillary spaces into a 266,000 sq ft media campus for TV and independent film. Designed by UMC Architects with an art deco frontage, the scheme will more than quadruple stage space to about 100,000 sq ft across five sound stages ranging from 16,000 to 21,000 sq ft. New workshops, offices, a café, base camp, backlot and improved cycle and parking facilities are included. A five-storey ‘media hub’ will add 58,000 sq ft of office and amenity space for media-related businesses directly linked to the studios. Specialist developer-operator Oxygen Studios has been appointed to advise, with construction planned to start later this year. Rob Samuel, head of UK development at AXA IM Alts, said the plan builds on a century of screen heritage, delivering state-of-the-art studios to support Britain’s creative sector while bringing local employment, architectural distinction and sustainable design. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus, one of the world’s leading centres of life sciences research, medical innovation, and healthcare provision, continues with construction of 2000 Discovery Drive underway. Designed by Scott Brownrigg for campus developer Prologis, two new speculative life science buildings, 2000 and 3000 Discovery Drive, will provide a further 215,300 sq ft NIA of state-of-the-art laboratory and office space to support growth of the world-class life sciences and biotech ecosystem at Cambridge Biomedical Campus. The designs complement the recently complete 1000 Discovery Drive, creating a family of contemporary buildings visually united by their sleek appearance and striking architectural details which include an exposed structural steel entrance and vertical accent fins. A rich materials palette will reinforce the relationship between the buildings and their setting, while providing each with a unique identity. Providing a resilient and future-proofed environment for research and development, both buildings are flexible by design with the ability to accommodate multiple tenants and a 60:40 laboratory to office split. A host of amenities, including a new “Grab & Go” café workspace will activate a landscaped area around the newly revealed buildings, whilst visible laboratory space at ground level will help to inspire the next generation of researchers by putting science on show. The placemaking strategy promotes the creation of high quality, accessible and inclusive public realm for the benefit of those on campus and the wider community alike. Placing people and their wellbeing at the heart of the landscape design, a series of diverse spaces will provide opportunities for recreation, working and socialising within a calming outdoor environment. As part of a campus-wide strategy, designs will integrate with existing pedestrian and cycle routes to support wellbeing and promote sustainable travel. A new CycleParc will sit at the heart of the landscaping, providing an innovative subterranean solution to house over 450 cycle parking spaces within an elegant arching structure. In addition, over 130 electric vehicle and bike spaces will also be provided within a new multistorey car park as part of the expansion. 2000 and 3000 Discovery Drive will target a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, following a “fabric-first” approach with key features including aluminium louvres to help optimise building solar performance, and green roofs and high-quality landscaped spaces to increase biodiversity. Rooftop solar panels will generate electricity to power communal building services, feeding into a wider all-electric energy strategy that avoids the use of fossil fuels. Building upon the success of the recently complete and fully let 1000 Discovery Drive, the latest developments will play a key role in helping to meet high demand for life science space and attract new businesses to the area enabling a vibrant and well-connected life sciences community to drive improved health outcomes to benefit people locally, regionally and globally. Construction has started on 2000 Discovery Drive and is expected to complete in Autumn 2026. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals