Why the need for a new data centre?
Since 2008, when the original data centre was first commissioned, two of the three units on site (Units 1 & 2) have come to the end of their useful life. The requirements of data and the technology required to deliver it have seen rapid advances over the past 17 years since the original units were commissioned.
The existing facilities on site are no longer fit-for-purpose as the spatial layout, electrical infrastructure and overall condition all fall short of the operational standards expected of contemporary data building facilities. This makes them ill-suited to meet the current data demand, let alone the planned trebling of data demand that is projected to occur over the next five years.
A fresh, modern facility will help us stay ahead of growing demand and ensure we’re ready for the future.
Why provide a site here?
Redhill has been home to a data centre on the site since 2008. It is a brownfield site, located within Holmethorpe Industrial Estate and is well established as a centre for data provision.
Holmethorpe Industrial Estate is classified in Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Development Management Plan as a ‘principle employment area that supports development of new, upgraded or extended floor space’ (Policy EMP1).
The existing site covers 1.3 hectares and comprises two industrial warehouses with adjoining two storey offices.
Our Plans
Two modern purpose-built units to replace the existing units, loosely following the footprint of the existing units, increased height to allow for modern data hall construction, connected by modern office and ancillary space.
Attractive design and façades to minimise visual impact.
Unit 3 will remain unchanged and will continue operating.
The use of photo voltaic (PV) panels to generate zero carbon electricity on site and waste heat recovery to provide low carbon heat to the offices.
Predicted 8MVA increase in capacity.
Enhanced landscaping and tree planting around the site perimeter, to improve views of the site from surrounding neighbours.
CGI view from St Anne's Drive North / St Anne's Boulevard
CGI view of intersection at St Anne's Drive North, looking along St Anne Boulevard
CGI image looking West along St Anne's Boulevard
CGI view looking North across St Anne's Boulevard, from Park 25
A community steward and a good neighbour
The proposals for Redhill Data Centre seek to deliver increased capacity, while being sensitive to its surroundings and neighbouring setting. The proposals have been mindful of the impact on neighbours and, where possible, has sought to deliver tangible benefits to the community.
As part of the development, we are exploring the feasibility of supporting the district heating at Park 25 with excess heat from the new development.
Next steps
The project team is planning to submit a full planning application to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council in December 2025.
As this date approaches, the project team is continuing with its preparatory work, including discussions with planning officers and undertaking technical studies, to ensure that there is minimal impact on our neighborus during the construction and operation of the site.
We are also engaging with key stakeholders, neighbouring residents and businesses, along with the wider community in Redhill. We will detail all the engagement activities we undertake in a Statement of Community Involvement (SCI). This document will be submitted to Reigate and Banstead Borough Council as part of the planning documents alongside the proposals for the redevelopment of the site.