Microsoft advances Slough data centre plans

Microsoft has taken the next step towards delivering a new data centre in Slough, launching public consultation on proposals for a new facility that would strengthen the company's expanding UK cloud infrastructure.

The proposed development at Langley would see a vacant brownfield site transformed into a purpose-built data centre, incorporating data halls, office accommodation and supporting infrastructure. A separate planning application will be submitted for an associated electricity substation.

The site, located to the west of Slough, previously secured outline planning permission for a data centre in 2021, although that consent has since lapsed. Microsoft has developed revised proposals for a single data centre building, with the design informed by the earlier approved scheme while focusing specifically on hyperscale data centre use.

Alongside the main facility, the development would include electric vehicle charging, cycle parking, sustainable drainage infrastructure, landscaping improvements and a new public footpath along the site's northern boundary.

Microsoft has begun engaging with local residents through a public consultation programme ahead of submitting a detailed planning application.

While the proposal represents a single facility, it reflects the continuing expansion of hyperscale cloud infrastructure across the UK as global technology companies respond to growing demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital services.

Slough has become one of the country's most important data centre markets, benefiting from its proximity to London, established fibre connectivity and access to major power infrastructure. However, the area also illustrates many of the challenges facing the sector, where demand for suitable sites and electricity capacity increasingly exceeds available supply.

The proposed development comes as the UK data centre market continues to evolve under growing pressure on electricity networks. Last week, Ofgem launched proposals aimed at preventing speculative projects from reserving grid connections without realistic delivery plans, following a surge in applications driven largely by data centre developments.

Against that backdrop, investment by established hyperscale operators such as Microsoft highlights the distinction between speculative schemes and projects backed by long-term operational demand.

Microsoft said data centres provide the physical infrastructure supporting a wide range of digital services used by businesses, public services and consumers, from cloud applications and online collaboration to healthcare, education and artificial intelligence platforms.

The company has not yet confirmed a construction timetable, with the project remaining subject to the planning process.

For the UK data centre sector, the proposal reinforces continued confidence from global technology companies in expanding domestic digital infrastructure. As demand for cloud services and AI computing accelerates, developments such as Langley are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting the country's digital economy, provided developers can successfully navigate planning, infrastructure and power constraints.