A significant technological development is on the horizon for Salford with a proposed £250m data center expected to enhance the city’s digital infrastructure.
- The data center, if approved, will be situated on a six-acre industrial site near Salford Community Stadium, replacing existing structures used for car sales.
- This initiative by DLD (Salford) Ltd aims to create jobs and attract businesses, showcasing the need for increased data center capacity in the UK.
- The proposed facility is intended to serve various sectors including local councils and public services like transport and education.
- Industry experts highlight Manchester’s growing prominence as a hub for data technology, with increasing interest in Salford’s infrastructure potential.
Plans have been proposed for a new, £250 million data center in Salford, marking a pivotal opportunity for the region’s technological landscape. If approved, this center will occupy a six-acre site off Liverpool Road, positioned north of Salford Community Stadium in Eccles.
The proposal from DLD (Salford) Ltd intends to utilize the land currently serving car sales and storage by transforming it into a state-of-the-art data hall and office space. This development is expected to generate employment opportunities and invite more businesses to the area, aligning with the growing demand for advanced data storage solutions in the UK.
Proponents of the plan emphasize the data center’s role as a crucial storage facility for digital data, supporting everything from basic internet functions to sophisticated artificial intelligence applications. This project also promises additional advantages for the city and its surrounds, supporting local government services and public utilities such as transportation and education.
According to planning documents, there is a pressing demand for substantial investments in data center infrastructure to keep pace with the rapid technological advancements. The UK is currently experiencing a surge in the need for new data center capabilities, reflecting global shifts in digital data management.
Philip Kaye, co-founder of Vespertec, a Manchester-based data center firm, views Greater Manchester as fertile ground for such ventures. He notes that the region’s infrastructure and historical success in tech projects position it favorably to meet the rising demands for digital infrastructure. Kaye states, ‘I’ve never seen anything like the last 12 months, with growth in every direction and the eyes of the nation looking to places like Stockport and Salford for leadership on major digital infrastructure projects.’
The transformation of Manchester into a digital powerhouse is underscored by recent developments such as Kao’s new data center and government plans for a heat reuse scheme in Stockport. These advancements indicate a broader acknowledgment of the region’s potential, coupled with strong support from local authorities keen on fostering these technological initiatives.
The proposed data center in Salford is a testament to the region’s growing role in digital infrastructure, promising significant benefits across various sectors.
