£350 million Stockport data centre moves closer to approval

Kao Data’s plans to bring a £350 million data centre to a Stockport industrial estate have moved closer to being realised after garnering approval from local councillors.

Local councillors on Stockport Council’s Heatons and Reddish Area Committee voted in favour of granting planning permission for the scheme on Reddish’s Kenwood Road Industrial Estate, with plans now set to progress to the borough’s Planning and Highways Regulation Committee, which will have the final say.

While councillors expressed concerns over disruption to local residents during the construction phase, they determined issues such as noise and traffic were adequately addressed in Kao Data’s plans for the site.

Specialist data centre operator and developer, Kao Data, first proposed the 40 MW facility in 2023 which is set to repurpose a former 1970s industrial warehouse to support the computing power needed by Greater Manchester’s rapidly growing digital economy.

A public consultation during October 2023 found the majority of respondents welcomed the sustainability and energy efficiency considerations that were illustrated in the plans. The facility will utilise 100% certified renewable energy and employ sustainable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for backup generators, significantly reducing net CO₂ emissions and the data centre’s environmental impact. Additionally, the proposed implementation of an advanced cooling system will further enhance energy efficiency, aligning with the Kao Data’s dedication to sustainability.

Kao Data’s Adam Nethersole commented:

“This is great news for Stockport and a boost for the technology ecosystem across Greater Manchester. The deployment of the largest data centre in the north of England, and one of the most advanced facilities in the world, will provide a cutting-edge platform for future tech careers, aspiring technology AI start-ups and encourage the world’s leading tech businesses into the city region.”