The site of a former soap factory in Warrington, UK, could be transformed into a modular AI data center.

Demolition work at the site, at Bank Quay in the town, is now underway and is expected to take 18 months. It formerly housed a factory belonging to Unilever, the company behind brands such as Persil and Surf, but closed down in 2020.

It has now been acquired by Dante FS Group, which intends to turn it into a modular data center that could occupy up to 260,000 sq ft (24,154 sqm).

Planning permission for the data center is expected to be submitted before the end of the year, and it will be operated by Dante FS subsidiary Platform Data Centre UK.

Dante FS Group director Neil Rustage said: “Platform @Bank Quay is more than just a data center. Our approach allows for bespoke infrastructure to support hyperscalers and research institutions as the UK accelerates its adoption of next generation AI and high-performance computing technologies.”

Projected capacity for the data center, and an opening date for the facility, have not been revealed, though Dante said it would be "high density."

According to Dante, the data center will draw power from multiple sources, and could be connected to the HyNet, a program that could eventually provide locally-sourced hydrogen energy for businesses.

Steve Park, interim chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, added: "It is fitting that a site that was once at the forefront of chemical engineering is now leading innovation in the modern economy.

"Once up and running, it will fuel our employers’ hunger for data analytics and be a key driver of the town's economic growth. It is especially pleasing to see the intention to use local supply chain networks, where possible, to boost the impact of this investment on our communities."

Dante FS Group only incorporated Platform Data Centres in September, and the company does not yet operate any data centers.