Kao Data has commenced work on the construction of its new £350 million data centre in Stockport.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Cllr Mark Hunter, the leader of Stockport Council, were among those present as work began to demolish existing buildings on the ex-industrial site.
Kao specialises in data centres engineered for artificial intelligence and advanced computing. The new facility is expected to go live by 2026.
Data centres were recently designated Critical National Infrastructure by the UK government in the first move of its kind since 2015. Upon completion, Kao says its latest facility will deliver computing capabilities to regional and international organisations, providing them with one of Europe’s most advanced and sustainable hosting environments, powered by 100% certified renewable energy.
It is also expected to bring numerous employment opportunities to the area, creating both direct and indirect jobs across construction, engineering and operations, while attracting further tech professionals to the region.
“As we continue our mission to ensure world-class digital infrastructure for the region, this new data centre will play a pivotal part in our fast-growing and diverse technology ecosystem, reinforcing our position as a global leader in AI and data centre capacity,” said Burnham.
“This data centre can also raise aspirations and opportunities for young people, providing a window on the GM economy that they’ve never had before.
“Kao Data’s plans to engage with schools and colleges and support technical career pathways for local students through the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate is exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing those plans become reality.”
Doug Loewe, CEO, Kao Data, said: “Beginning the development stage of our new data centre marks an important milestone, not only for Kao Data, but for technology in Stockport and Greater Manchester.
“The city region is becoming an increasingly strategic location for digital infrastructure investment, and our new facility – the largest and most sustainable in the north of England – further reinforces Greater Manchester’s position as a digital and economic powerhouse.”
Hunter added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Stockport to attract businesses like Kao Data to come and be based in the borough, with all the extra job opportunities and support for growing our local economy further that comes with them.
“It’s also a testament to all of the good work and investment in the borough that the Council has led on – with good support from Andy Burnham as GM Mayor – that digital and tech businesses recognise the potential of Stockport as a key location for their growth and further success.”