“It’s great to see the London data centre sector growing at an unprecedented rate, with official estimates showing the need for available data capacity in the UK expected to grow eightfold in the next decade.

The cost and availability of power in the right location is the main barrier to growth, particularly in London. Therefore, innovation and investment in linking renewable energy with evolving data centre technology is key. 

We should also use our collective influence to drive more effective master planning to link available power to the right schemes. This can also drive community benefits such as heat recovery, so we can dispel some of the myths about data centres’ sustainability credentials. 

With the correct technology and master planning, a data centre can not only be a piece of critical digital infrastructure that is sustainably powered, but also a source of readily available heat energy, benefitting communities.”
Andrew James, Pre-Construction Director – Data Centres, Mace Construct. 

“I found the roundtable to be a really insightful discussion on both the challenges and opportunities surrounding data centre development in London. One of the key takeaways for me was the scale of the constraints facing the sector, particularly around power availability, planning considerations, and the growing demand for digital infrastructure.

What stood out most was the emphasis on collaboration. There was a clear recognition that developers, energy providers, government bodies, local councils, and communities need to work more closely together to create a shared vision for where and how data centres are developed. I was particularly interested in the discussion around renewable energy partnerships and the potential to maximise community benefits through initiatives such as heat reuse.

Another important theme was the need to improve public understanding of data centres. Too often they are viewed negatively or misunderstood, yet they play a critical role in supporting modern society. I left the session with a greater appreciation for the importance of engaging local communities early, demonstrating tangible benefits, and helping to change the narrative around data centre development from something that is often seen as a necessity to something that can deliver real value to the areas in which it is built.

Roundtable talks and panel discussions always showcase how in tune the people within this industry are on the key issues. The important step now is to collectively mitigate these together, including brining along third party stakeholders in that journey.”
Kevin Newton, Partner, Gardiner & Theobald. 

“For UK data centres to grow sustainably, we need to move from case‑by‑case approvals to a more strategic infrastructure planning approach. Relevant policy development and masterplanning type approaches including guidance on how much capacity is needed, what types of facilities, and where they should be located should aim to align electricity networks, water resources, fibre routes and heat‑reuse infrastructure with planned growth areas, rather than trying to retrofit connections to speculative sites. 

Joined‑up approaches across sectors will be critical: planning and land use, energy, digital, climate and skills policy all need to point in the same direction, so that data centre applications are evaluated in a holistic way including their impact on net zero, contribution to local economies and community benefits as well as wider housing, industrial and net zero ambitions.”
Yalena Coleman, Director, Digital Advisory, Buro Happold. 

“At Vattenfall, we see data centres as sources of untapped low carbon heat for local communities. The technology to capture data centre heat already exists. The challenges are ensuring that data centres are strategically designed, located and supported by policies that prioritise heat export. 

As we race to electrify heating in our towns and cities, connecting homes to data centres via heat networks will ease pressure on the grid, protect consumers from energy price shocks and deliver real benefit to local residents”.
Tom Bouwens, Head of Commercial, Vattenfall. 

“The points I raised were how data centre design is evolving beyond a “one size fits all” model, shaped by the divergence between AI-led and traditional cloud typologies. I emphasised the growing disjunct between planned availability zones and the reality of development driven by power accessibility. 

I also stressed the need to fundamentally shift perceptions of data centres as critical infrastructure, assets that should deliver broader value through design quality, smart technologies, landscape integration, and biodiversity gains and so forth. Successful schemes are those that embrace a clear social value narrative from the outset. 

Finally, I noted that while design codes can play a valuable role in setting benchmarks, they must be balanced with meaningful community engagement. The strongest outcomes are achieved through well-considered masterplanning that integrates data centres alongside other uses, ensuring cohesive, high-quality urban environments.”
Nick Bishop, Critical Facilities Practice Area Leader Europe, Gensler.  

“Collectively, the sector has huge problem-solving knowledge and capability however often isn’t enough joined up and holistic thinking. It feels like everyone is focusing on solving the problem that is immediately in front of them, whether that be navigating planning, obtaining power, or delivering construction at pace for example. At times like this, being able to step back and look at the bigger picture can help turn perceived challenges into opportunities. 

Data Centres have been designated as Critical National Infrastructure, but can they contribute more to local communities and become better neighbours? Can they be more strategically planned into our regions to facilitate complementary use planning, or ‘Chains of development?’

By drawing more closely on its collective expertise, the sector can collaborate more effectively to address these questions and unlock greater impact in shaping the future of our built environment.”
Sam Stevens, Director, Scott Brownrigg