VIRTUS Data Centres has unveiled plans for a data centre campus on a newly acquired 50-acre freehold plot in Saunderton, Buckinghamshire.
The site will be close to company’s existing data centre hub in Slough, west of London.
The new campus will comprise four data centres totalling a capacity of 75 MW, and has a National Grid contract for 120 MVA. VIRTUS, which part of the ST Telemedia Global Data Centres Group, has said the new development is in response to the rapidly developing demands of AI.
The site has approved planning, with building works due to commence in the final quarter of 2024. The campus is scheduled be ready for service in by the second quarter of 2026.
“The acquisition of this new 50 acre campus is a significant step in VIRTUS’ strategic growth plans. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide advanced data centre facilities in the UK, whilst also expanding our operations in Europe,” Neil Cresswell, CEO of VIRTUS, said.
“Our focus is to support the evolving requirements of our customers, wherever they need them, and the burgeoning demand for AI-ready data infrastructure. We are dedicated to being at the forefront of supporting businesses on their digital transformation journeys, whilst ensuring that our data centres are built to the highest sustainability standards, aligning with our target to be carbon neutral by 2030.”
VIRTUS has said it has committed to a zero-waste-to-landfill principle during the facility’s operation and aims to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold accreditation for sustainability. It will feature 100% renewable energy and utilise rainwater harvesting, as work to use the site’s waste heat for adjacent farming.
