QTS Northumberland data centre enabling works begin

The development of a multi-billion-pound data centre campus in Northumberland has taken a key step forward following approval for initial site preparation works.

The facility, proposed by QTS, a digital infrastructure company owned by investment firm Blackstone, is planned for Cambois and represents one of the largest inward investments in the UK, with a potential value of up to £10 billion. The scheme received planning permission in March 2025 and will deliver a data centre campus spanning up to 540,000 square metres.

The latest milestone allows for enabling works to begin, including vegetation clearance, perimeter fence repairs, earthworks, and establishment of a site compound. These activities precede full-scale construction, which is expected to generate significant employment opportunities across the region.

According to QTS, the project will support 1,200 long-term construction jobs during its multi-year build phase and create hundreds of permanent roles for data centre operations. An additional 2,700 indirect and induced jobs could also be supported.

https://impacts.savills.com/market-trends.htmlNorthumberland County Council has been closely involved in the project, and as part of the agreement, the council will receive a £110 million investment fund. The fund will be used to support long-term economic growth and employment initiatives along the Northumberland Line corridor.

Council leader Glen Sanderson welcomed the decision to begin preparatory works, stating it was a "significant milestone" for the region. "It’s a multi-billion-pound vote of confidence in our county and it’s great to be now looking forward to work progressing on the ground in the near future," he said.

QTS Co-CEO Tag Greason highlighted the importance of collaboration with local authorities in shaping the project. "The enabling works approval is a major milestone and the first visible step in delivering on our shared vision with the Northumberland County Council," he said. "As we take the next steps forward, we remain committed to hiring locally, supporting training and economic growth, and being responsible, engaged members of the community."

The data centre campus will use QTS's closed-loop water system, part of its broader sustainability strategy, though further technical and environmental details have not yet been disclosed.

Full construction timelines and operational launch dates have yet to be confirmed.