An 80MW data center is being proposed in Blackpool, UK.
Elite UK REIT Management Pte. Ltd., the manager of Elite UK REIT, this week announced it has submitted a planning application to the local authority for a data center development site at Peel Park, Blackpool.
The site totals 15.65 hectares on Brunel Way, and includes several existing buildings leased to the UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
An 80MW data center is planned – though further details haven’t been shared and at time of writing the application isn’t yet live on Blackpool Council’s planning portal. Update: The application is actually with Flyde Council.
An end customer wasn't named.
The firm said it had secured power supply and is in discussions to bring renewable power supplies to the site from wind power infrastructure nearby.
This is seemingly Elite’s first data center project. The company said it had “received positive feedback” from the local authority during the pre-planning phase.
“Following the expansion of the REIT's investment mandate in April 2024, we have identified several high-yield assets within our portfolio for strategic repositioning,” said Joshua Liaw, CEO of Elite UK REIT Management. “One key asset is Peel Park, which we believe has significant potential to be transformed into a cutting-edge data center campus. Its strategic location offers low latency and reduced emissions, making it highly attractive to data center operators and end-users.”
Elite UK REIT is a Singapore real estate investment trust focused on real estate in the UK. Its more than 150 properties mostly comprise offices and call centers largely leased to the UK government.
Earlier this year, the company said it was expanding its portfolio to include investments in the likes of student and senior housing, as well as data centers.
The company said it was working closely with the DWP to ensure ongoing occupational requirements are taken into consideration in its planning application. It said: “DWP’s ongoing occupation needs will remain a priority.”
Not traditionally a data center market, Blackpool Council is pushing the sector and planning to develop a 20-acre project known as Silicon Sands next to Blackpool Airport. Construction on the project is hoped to start in 2025.