DC01UK has sold its 85-acre South Mimms data centre site in Hertfordshire to Equinix, in a deal described as 鈥渙ne of the largest infrastructure and real estate transactions in the world in recent years鈥� 鈥� with a projected total investment value in the region of 拢3.9bn.
DC01UK is a joint venture of Griggs Group and Chiltern Green Energy, neither of whom have the financial muscle for development of this size but have together put the project together and got it this far.
Hertsmere Borough Council鈥檚 planning committee approved the plans in January this year. [See previous report here.]
Now named the Hertfordshire Campus by Equinix, the project will deliver more than two million square feet of data centre space.聽 Construction could start in 2027, with completion in 2030.聽
James Craig, director of DC01UK, said: 鈥淭his 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鈥檚 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.鈥�
His co-director Andy Brewer added: 鈥淭his deal marks a significant step forward for this world-class project and for the UK鈥檚 digital future. It was born of local ingenuity and determination and aligns closely with the government鈥檚 ambition for the UK to be a global leader in AI and advanced technology. With one of the world鈥檚 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.鈥�
Stephen Beard, global head of data centres at Knight Frank, who advised on the project, said: 鈥淭his is a seismic moment for the UK鈥檚 infrastructure landscape. The scale, ambition and strategic value of this site are unmatched. It鈥檚 rare to find a location that ticks every box 鈥� power, connectivity, proximity to key markets 鈥� and this one does. Today鈥檚 announcement gives the UK a major leg up in the global AI infrastructure race.鈥�
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