Investment in the UK’s data centre sector is facing serious delays due to a shortage of electricity supply, according to David Sleath, CEO of leading property developer Segro. Speaking on Times Radio, Sleath shared his concerns about extensive wait times for grid connections, with delays stretching over several years, which he says has blocked Segro from channelling “hundreds of millions and more” into new data centres. Segro, already operating 35 data centres nationwide, has significant expansion plans that are stymied by what Sleath calls a “bottleneck” in the national grid’s ability to provide power. “The single biggest constraint is access to power,” he remarked, emphasising that this challenge is holding back not only Segro’s growth but also the UK’s progress in digital infrastructure. Data centres are critical to the UK’s digital economy, supporting services from e-commerce and streaming to advanced AI projects. However, their high-energy requirements demand specialised grid connections, and the current queue system for these upgrades is proving a major obstacle. Sleath described the grid connection process as “archaic,” with developers often waiting years to secure the necessary upgrades. Looking ahead, Sleath also voiced concerns over the UK’s long-term energy strategy. While he recognises the importance of wind and solar in reducing carbon emissions, he suggests that additional investment in nuclear power and advancements in battery storage technology will be necessary to meet future energy demands. In a positive step for the industry, the government has recently designated data centres as critical national infrastructure. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle’s classification move aligns with several American companies’ plans to invest £6.3 billion in new UK data centres, underscoring the need for reliable power access to fuel this digital expansion. The National Grid has acknowledged the challenges and committed to improving the grid connection process, pledging collaboration with the National Energy System Operator (Neso), Ofgem, and government bodies to prioritise projects supporting net-zero objectives and economic growth. A government spokesperson confirmed ongoing efforts to streamline connections for data centres and clear project backlogs, aiming to make the UK’s grid infrastructure more accessible. With the demand for data centres rising, the UK stands at a critical juncture, needing strategic grid reforms to support both immediate digital needs and long-term economic ambitions. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Exciting new details have emerged for Project Edison, a high-tech data centre proposed by Elite UK REIT, which aims to transform a 39-acre site near the Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Peel Park campus in Blackpool. With plans submitted to Fylde Council earlier this month, the project includes the construction of two data centre buildings and a 400-space multi-storey car park, paving the way for cutting-edge infrastructure that could redefine Blackpool’s role in the digital economy. The ambitious plans detail two 20-metre-tall data centre buildings covering a combined 157,000 square feet, which will house “multiple data halls accommodating approximately 600 racks” of server infrastructure each. These facilities will replace an existing surface-level car park at the site, creating a need for new parking solutions for DWP staff. To address this, Elite UK REIT has proposed a multi-storey car park that would support the data centre and DWP employees, though demand is expected to drop as around 1,000 DWP staff are scheduled to relocate to Blackpool’s town centre next year. Elite UK REIT selected this location for its prime connection to the North Atlantic Loop, a high-speed subsea fibre optic cable linking the USA, UK, and Ireland. This connectivity promises fast and reliable internet speeds, boosting Blackpool’s appeal to data-centre operators and tech firms. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to Silicon Sands, a 40-acre tech cluster planned within the Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone, designed to attract data-driven industries to the Fylde Coast. According to consultancy Cassidy + Ashton, Project Edison “will position the Fylde Coast at the cutting edge of AI development, supporting the economic ambitions of the Blackpool Enterprise Zone.” To find out more, search reference number 24/0516 on Fylde Council’s planning portal. The project team includes Cassidy + Ashton, KeySource, TTSP, Murphy Geospatial, SLR, GEA, and Bowland Ecology, all working to bring this landmark development to life. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Timelapse footage released yesterday shows the construction progress on Nebula, the £40m research and development (R&D) scheme at 190–192 Park Drive, Milton Park. With construction due to finalise in Q1 2025 and with finishing touches on external cladding and internal fitouts now underway, the development will offer circa 80,000 sq ft of R&D workspace for startups and companies across science, technology or advanced engineering industries. Featuring sustainably sourced glue-laminated timber (glulam) beams in lieu of steel, the timelapse shows the scale of Nebula’s structural frames. With Nebula targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating, the installation has helped to significantly reduce the project’s embodied carbon. With construction delivered by Barnwood, the new development of seven properties across three buildings provides high-tech research and development (R&D) workspace with offices, ranging from 6,000sq ft up to a single building of 30,000sq ft. The 8m internal height and 5m openings for large-scale laboratory or plant equipment provide space to grow for a diverse range of companies, including those working in the UK’s space industry. The plans for Nebula were delivered under Milton Park’s Local Development Order (LDO), which, through a partnership with the Vale of White Horse District Council, simplifies the planning process to just 10 days. Occupiers will also benefit from MEPC Milton Park’s £7m investment into its own electrical infrastructure, which provides enhanced power supply for R&D uses and future developments. Tom Booker Commercial Manager at MEPC Milton Park, said: “With Nebula nearing completion, there has been strong demand and we will shortly be announcing the first letting to a well known international brand. “We’re also in discussions with existing Milton Park occupiers looking to expand operations. Not only are they attracted to Nebula’s flexible space, sustainable features and high-quality materials, but also the wider benefits of being based at the Park.” Working alongside Milton Park and Barnwood Limited as part of the project team are SRA Architects, ASA Landscape Architects, Ridge & Partners LLP (BREEAM, cost management, M&E, principal design, project management), Stantec(civil and structural engineering), William Downie Associates (utilities), Cundall (carbon consultant), CBRE (letting agent) and ProVision (planning). For more information or to enquire about Nebula, please visit: https://www.miltonpark.co.uk/availability/nebula-190-192-park-drive Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Bicester, Oxfordshire has appointed Kier as its construction partner to deliver YASA’s new UK HQ at The Ranges, its new name for its innovation quarter. Kier has been appointed to construct Bicester Motion’s next phase of development to create YASA’s new HQ, a substantial bespoke development that will total 90,000 sq ft (8,361 sq m). The Ranges’ remaining four buildings will be part of phase 2 which together has a construction value of £60 million. Practical completion is targeted for summer 2025. Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “I offer my congratulations to Kier in securing The Range’s phase 1 contract. We look forward to boosting construction jobs and the wider local supply chain in delivering this important project.” Andy Bolas, regional director, Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We are delighted to be marking the start on work at The Ranges – it’s an incredibly exciting project to be delivering. We are establishing a real expertise and experience for delivering projects in the science and technology sector – particularly in Oxfordshire region – and we look forward to continuing to build upon that here.” Adalta Real and Bidwells are the commercial leasing agents. Acting on Bicester Motion’s behalf are: 3DReid, Edgars, IKS Consulting, Stantec, Macgregor Smith, Nicholsons, and Motion Consultants. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A special ceremony was held on the roof of the new Sidney Sussex building to mark the occasion and celebrate the excellent progress to date. Glencar, a leading UK construction company recognised for its past ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing businesses, recently held a topping out ceremony at Chesterford Research Park to celebrate reaching full height on the new 60,000 sq. ft. multi-occupancy life science R&D facility, known as the Sidney Sussex Building. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the ongoing development, showcasing the great progress being made across the site. The Sidney Sussex Building is located within the Park’s superb 250-acre landscape and is set to meet the growing demand from within the Cambridge Life Science cluster for facilities of the type. Upon completion, the building will feature a versatile mix of ten individual R&D suites within its multi-occupancy design. Intended to enable existing occupiers to grow whilst also attracting new names to the Park community, the Sidney Sussex Building will offer flexible suites ranging from 2,226 sq ft to 8,409 sq ft within a beautifully landscaped setting. Designed by architect BCR Infinity Architects, the building allows for the combination of spaces to accommodate larger requirements. Each fully fitted suite will comprise wet laboratory space with benching, sinks and fitted fume hoods, as well as heating and cooling systems, with separate open plan office areas.  Storage rooms and shower facilities also feature, all centred around a communal, light-filled atrium with a dedicated reception area. Sustainability is at the core of the design, with renewable energy sources, efficient structural uses, and daylighting strategies to minimise carbon emissions. Ecological enhancements will include significant tree planting, bird and bat boxes, and a new pond, promoting biodiversity and offering green spaces for occupiers. The project is anticipated to be complete by October 2025. Speaking about the project and key milestone reached, Glencar CEO Eddie McGillycuddy said: “It is a testament to the hard work and specialised expertise of our Life Sciences team that we have reached full height, and we are delighted to have achieved this important milestone. Once completed, this 60,000 sq. ft, three-storey multi-occupancy building will directly address the growing demand for laboratory space within the Cambridge cluster and the wider Golden Triangle. “As Glencar’s third Life Science project, this development is a significant addition to our portfolio and further showcases our expanding expertise in this sector. We look forward to following the project’s progress and the key milestones that lie ahead. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the entire project team and our partners for their invaluable contributions to this achievement.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Plans to transform Liverpool’s iconic former Littlewoods building into a world-class film and TV campus have been given the green light by the city’s Planning Committee. The ambitious project, led by social impact developers Capital&Centric, will revitalise the 1930s Edge Lane site, creating a vibrant hub for the UK’s creative industries. The approved plans include restoring and repurposing the much-loved Littlewoods building, with the development featuring two state-of-the-art 20,000 sq.ft studios designed for big-budget film and TV productions. Alongside these, the site will house offices, workshops, support facilities, and an educational centre aimed at nurturing the next generation of creative talent. This marks a significant milestone for the £17 million project, which is backed by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. With enabling works already completed, the approval now paves the way for full restoration work to begin, subject to the final funding agreements. One of the standout features of the project will be the transformation of the building’s former canteen, housed in a barrel-vaulted hangar, into a multi-purpose cultural space. This will include five boutique cinema screens, an outdoor performance area, and a permanent food hall. The space will serve as a resource for on-site tenants but will also open to the public after hours, becoming a new cultural destination for Liverpool residents and visitors alike. John Moffat, Joint Managing Director of Capital&Centric, hailed the approval as a landmark moment for the project and the city. He said: “This is a huge moment for Littlewoods and for Liverpool. The green light allows us to move forward with creating the ‘Hollywood of the North’. Liverpool already enjoys a global reputation as a filming hotspot, and this project will build on that, providing much-needed studio space and creating jobs for future generations. For local people, including myself, seeing this iconic building come back to life is truly special.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, echoed the excitement, saying: “The Littlewoods Project is a game-changer for the region. It preserves a key part of our heritage while driving economic growth and creating thousands of jobs in the creative sector. It cements our growing reputation as a hub for high-end productions and places us firmly on the international stage.” Liverpool City Councillor Nick Small added: “The Littlewoods Project is set to transform Liverpool’s TV and film industry. With the approval now secured, we’re ready to work closely with Capital&Centric to ensure this scheme delivers on its full potential and takes a leading role in the city’s creative future.” The construction of the new sound stages is expected to take around a year to complete, while the renovation of the main building will take longer due to the complexity of restoring the historic structure. When fully operational, the Littlewoods campus is anticipated to create around 4,000 full-time jobs within the region’s creative industries, further solidifying Liverpool’s status as a key player in the UK’s film and TV production landscape. The project’s design is being overseen by renowned architects shedkm, with planners Avison Young also involved. Capital&Centric has a proven track record of restoring historic buildings across the UK, including high-profile projects such as Crusader in Manchester, Weir Mill in Stockport, and Eyewitness Works in Sheffield. As Liverpool gears up to welcome this new creative hub, the Littlewoods Project promises to be a landmark development for both the city and the wider UK film and TV industry. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In a landmark investment deal, US-based investment giant Blackstone has committed £10bn to the construction of one of Europe’s largest AI data centres in Blyth, Northumberland. The project is set to provide a significant boost to the UK economy, creating over 4,000 jobs, with 1,200 roles specifically tied to the construction phase. This ambitious development will occupy the site originally planned for the BritishVolt battery plant, repurposing the space to house a state-of-the-art data centre critical to the burgeoning artificial intelligence sector. The facility will play a key role in managing the vast data sets required for AI operations, reinforcing the UK’s status as a global leader in AI technology and digital infrastructure. Construction is expected to begin next year, alongside a £110m investment by Blackstone into a local fund to support skills training and upgrade transportation infrastructure in Blyth. The initiative aims to create lasting benefits for the local community while enhancing the region’s appeal as a tech and innovation hub. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has heralded the investment as a crucial step in driving economic growth, saying: “The number one mission of my government is to grow our economy so that hardworking British people reap the benefits – and foreign investment is a key part of that plan.” This announcement follows Labour’s recent move to designate data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, demonstrating the government’s commitment to fostering secure environments for large-scale technological developments. By prioritising these projects, the UK seeks to position itself at the forefront of digital innovation and attract further global investment. Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, highlighted the UK’s investment appeal: “The UK is a top investment market for Blackstone due to its rich combination of talent and innovation, supported by a highly transparent legal system. This £10bn investment reaffirms our commitment to the UK, contributing to critical digital infrastructure and supporting the transition to a digital economy.” This agreement also serves to strengthen the UK-US trading relationship, which is already valued at over £340bn annually. With more global investments on the horizon, Starmer emphasised the importance of securing foreign partnerships: “Britain is back as a major player on the global stage, and we are open for business.” As the UK prepares to host the International Investment Summit next month, the Blackstone deal is a clear indicator of the country’s growing appeal to foreign investors. The new AI data centre will not only contribute to the UK’s digital and economic future but also solidify its position as a global hub for AI and technology innovation. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In a significant step forward for the UK’s aspirations to be a ‘science superpower’, specialist investor, developer and operator for the science and innovation sector Mission Street and BGO, a leading global real estate investment manager, received planning consent to deliver a world-class 23-acre urban science district in central Cambridge. Approved by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee subject to Section 106 and Conditions, the district will be just 10 minutes’ cycle from the central railway station and will be developed on a site that has been unused for decades. The district, which is one of the largest new urban science district developments in the UK, will facilitate a variety of research and development uses, catering to companies throughout their growth journey, from start-up to large multinational, within a single location. Innovative companies that have previously been forced to relocate or fragment their businesses will have the space to scale within the ecosystem, with the advantage of being part of a major science and technology cluster in a central location. Totaling 1,000,000 sq ft of GIA across 7 buildings, the scheme’s design has been led by master planners Hawkins Brown in collaboration with other leading design practices. Anchored by a central square, the fully pedestrianised masterplan – open to the public – will create a destination for all ages, including units suitable for local businesses, fitness infrastructure, a threefold increase of play space for children, a diverse food and beverage offering and community events space. Provision has also been made for an active programme of events such as Public Art including an Artist in Residence, and a STEM-based educational outreach partnership with the Cambridge Science Centre that is already being implementing in local schools. “Since our first consultation with local stakeholders and the Cherry Hinton community, we’ve said that this is about breaking down the barriers prevalent with traditional science parks, creating an open and inviting innovation district, and putting the science on show. This project embodies the principle that it is entirely possible to blend R&D space for world-leading innovators with community amenities that everyone can enjoy,” said Artem Korolev, CEO, Mission Street. “We look forward to engaging further with planning officers, the community and other statutory consultees, as we deliver a globally significant science destination that current and future generations will be proud of.” According to market data tracked by Mission Street, there is demand for over six hundred thousand square feet of lab space in Cambridge, with a highly constrained active pipeline that cannot adequately meet growing demand levels. Demand is particularly high for inner-city R&D space – a relatively new concept to the UK that is well-established in the US. During construction, the project is expected to create over 800 jobs and £7 million of local expenditure, as well as apprenticeship and training programmes. Once complete, it will create nearly 4,000 high-skill jobs, with a mandated Cambridge Living Wage. Mission Street and BGO’s partnership has a development pipeline of over 1.5 million square feet of lab and office space in key strategic locations including Cambridge, Oxford, and Bristol. Recent projects include Fabrica and Inventa, which total 180,000 square feet of flexible R&D space in central Oxford, and The Press, Foxton, providing c. 100,000 square feet of multi-tenanted laboratory and office floorplate in the Cambridge Southern Biomedical Cluster. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals