Durham University’s data centre approved

Author: Simon Rowley

Plans to build a cutting-edge data centre at the Aykley Heads business park in Durham have been given the green light, marking a significant step for Durham University and the region’s technology ambitions.

The facility, set to house a super-computer, data hall, and office spaces, will form a key part of the ongoing development aimed at attracting data-intensive businesses. While the university touts the project as a catalyst for job creation and economic growth, concerns have been raised by local groups over the potential job losses compared to original plans for the site.

Approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Friday (10 January 2025), the data centre project represents Durham University’s commitment to bolstering its research capabilities and contributing to the regional economy. The university anticipates the facility will act as a magnet for businesses, attract highly skilled workers, and provide valuable training opportunities for local talent.

However, the approval hasn’t come without reservation. The City of Durham Trust and the City of Durham Parish Council have both expressed disappointment, believing the data centre’s development deviates from the original vision of the business park. The 2021 masterplan for Aykley Heads had envisioned Plot D, the site of the approved data centre, as office space potentially capable of generating hundreds of jobs.

Michael Hurlow of the City of Durham Trust criticises the current proposal, stating that “it failed to deliver on the promise of a high-quality business park”, and noting that it falls below the standards expected for the area. He argues that the alternative data centre plans undermine the potential for widespread job creation anticipated with office space.

The City of Durham Parish Council further emphasises the stark contrast in employment figures, as estimates suggest a data centre would bring in only seven to 15 jobs, a significant drop compared to the projected 200 to 300 jobs associated with office development.

Despite these concerns, a county council spokesman acknowledged the considerable difference in job numbers but maintained that both data centre and office development were consistent with the overall masterplan for the business park. They argued that the potential loss of jobs was not a sufficient reason to deny permission for the current proposal.

A Durham University spokeswoman sought to alleviate the concerns, emphasising that the broader development that the data centre is a part of would ultimately generate new employment opportunities, attract businesses to the region, and equip local workers with in-demand digital skills. The University believes the long-term benefits of the data centre for the region will outweigh the immediate job discrepancy.

While the approval of the data centre represents a significant step forward for Durham’s technological infrastructure, it has also sparked a debate about the balancing act between innovation and job creation. The situation highlights the complex considerations involved in development planning and the varied perspectives of stakeholders. As the data centre project progresses, close attention will be paid to its impact on the local economy and the fulfillment of promises regarding long-term regional benefits.