Equinix has announced plans for a new IBX data centre in the Agecroft Commerce Park in Salford, Manchester.
IBX (International Business Exchange) is the name Equinix uses for its portfolio of global data centres. The facility, named MA5, is scheduled to open in Q2 2022, and will be Equinix’s fifth data centre in the Greater Manchester region.
Equinix states MA5 will offer premium colocation, interconnection and edge services to customers, and has been designed for high density deployments in support of digital transformation projects. The phase one build of the facility is set to provide 3,600 m2 of colocation space. Once fully completed, the site is expected to provide 6,480 m2 of colocation space, with 2,000 cabinets.
Discussing Equinix’s new facility, UK Science and Innovation Minister George Freeman said, “The UK is one of the world’s most digitally advanced economies. Through government and industry working together, we are investing in new 5G and next-generation digital technologies to support UK businesses to build back better from the pandemic.
“Equinix’s new Manchester data centre will not only help to create well-paying jobs across Manchester and the wider North West, but will also make sure businesses have the digital technology needed to succeed and grow in global markets.”
“With a rich industrial history, Manchester has long been one of the UK’s leading cities for business, catering to globally renowned companies and start-ups looking to grow and scale their operations,” said Lorraine Wilkinson, Vice President of Sales, UK, Equinix.
“MA5 will provide high-speed connectivity to the North of England, facilitating the next generation of digital transformation within the region. The new site will bring Equinix’s total investment in Manchester to over £130 million, and £1 billion+ in the UK’s digital infrastructure as a whole.”
Russell Poole, Managing Director, UK, Equinix, also added, “This new investment is a significant addition to our existing portfolio in the UK. The site will cater to the growing number of enterprises—both regionally and internationally—that require ultra-low-latency connectivity to remain competitive. MA5 forms part of a wider investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure, and further cements Britain’s position as one of the most important markets globally to do business.”
