What is being proposed?

• Uxbridge Road Tech Park is a proposed cloud data centre campus at the Brett Aggregates quarry and minerals processing site, east of Uxbridge Road

• It would include data centre buildings, supporting offices, cooling and electrical equipment, internal roads, drainage, security infrastructure, an energy centre and extensive landscaping

• The proposals also include a publicly-accessible wildlife park, new habitats, ponds and walking routes

What is a cloud data centre?

• A cloud data centre is a secure building containing computer servers, storage systems and communications equipment

• It allows businesses, public bodies and individuals to access computing power, software and data storage through secure networks and the internet

• Uxbridge Road Tech Park would principally provide infrastructure for cloud services

What is currently on the site?

• The site is currently a Brett Aggregates quarry

• It is used for mineral extraction and processing, including aggregate washing, storage and bagging. Existing and permitted operations also include inert material management, infilling and progressive restoration

• The site is private and is not currently available as public open space

Why does the data centre need to be here?

• The site is within the Slough Availability Zone

• Cloud data centres require fast and reliable connections to other facilities so that data can be backed up, workloads can be shared and services can continue if an individual facility experiences an interruption

• URTP’s site is close to the established data centre and fibre infrastructure, allowing it to play an integrated role in the Slough Availability Zone

Is the site in the Green Belt?

• Yes, the site is in the Green Belt. However, it has been identified as potential grey belt in the emerging local development plan.

How will the project be climate neutral?

• Uxbridge Road Tech Park will run on 100% renewable or zero-carbon energy.

• A detailed energy and carbon strategy will be submitted with the planning application. It will set measurable requirements for energy efficiency and electricity sourcing.

• URTP’s buildings will also target an excellent or outstanding BREEAM rating, which sets high standards for reducing carbon emissions throughout the project’s lifecycle, from construction to operation and end-of-life.

• The commitments will be secured through enforceable planning conditions and, where appropriate, legally binding planning obligations

What is the energy centre?

• A 49.9 MW on-site energy centre is proposed to support the early energisation of Uxbridge Road Tech Park. It will incorporate energy generation, battery storage and carbon capture technologies, helping the campus operate reliably while meeting its climate neutral commitments

Will heat from the data centre be reused?

• The campus will be designed to recover heat and make it available to suitable local users where technically and commercially viable

• Potential uses include greenhouses, horticulture, district heating, aquaculture and nearby commercial premises

• The final use will depend on identifying suitable users and agreeing the necessary infrastructure and commercial arrangements

How many jobs will be created?

• The completed campus is expected to create hundreds of permanent operational and support jobs

• Construction would also support substantial employment across construction, engineering, utilities, communications, logistics, landscaping and professional services

Will local businesses benefit?

• A local procurement and supplier-engagement programme will be developed

• All contracts would remain subject to competitive procurement and appropriate capability, quality and safety requirements

Will training be provided?

• The project team intends to work with local schools, colleges, universities and skills providers

• The programme is expected to include apprenticeships, technical training, work experience and careers engagement

What will the wildlife park include?

• The proposals include new woodland, grassland, hedgerows, ponds, wetlands, habitats and walking routes

• The detailed design will be informed by ecological surveys, landscape assessment and public consultation

Will the wildlife park be open to the public?

• The wildlife park and the parkland along Uxbridge Road, including the designated walking routes, will be publicly accessible

• Access arrangements will need to protect wildlife, visitor safety and the security of the operational data centre

Will construction cause disruption?

• Some disruption is unavoidable during a project of this scale

• It would be managed through binding plans covering traffic, noise, dust, working hours, lighting, drainage and communication with local residents and businesses

Will the data centre operate continuously?

• Yes. Cloud data centres normally operate 24 hours a day because the services they support need to remain available

• Deliveries, maintenance and other activities would be managed through operational plans and planning controls

Is this a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project?

• The project is nationally important because of its investment and contribution to the UK’s digital infrastructure

• However, it will be brought forward through a planning application under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, rather than through a Development Consent Order

Who will determine the planning application?

• The application will be submitted to Buckinghamshire Council and Slough Borough Council as the local planning authorities

• The Council will assess the proposals and determine them through the procedures applying to a major planning application

Who is behind Uxbridge Road Tech Park?

• Uxbridge Road Tech Park Limited is owned by Greystoke.

• Greystoke is a UK-based digital infrastructure company specialising in masterplanning and delivering major data centres and related technology projects

How can I comment?

Comments can be submitted through the contact form on this website

Details of public consultation events, consultation documents and the formal planning application will be published as the project progresses