Plans have been unveiled for a new multi-million pound data centre to be built at the University of Hull.
The Hull Data Centre is part of a joint venture between the university and broadband internet provider KCOM and will aim to tackle the lack of high quality data centre provision in the city and region.
The new facility will support future developments in high performance computing, related research and new forms of digital education. It will also serve the needs of the university as well as KCOM and Hull College.
“This partnership is allowing us to create an outstanding data centre facility within the region, one which the university would not be able to create alone,” John Hemingway, director of ICT at the University of Hull, said.
“The partners will benefit from a showcase data centre offering leading edge power efficiency. Our partnership with KCOM and Hull College is a fantastic example of how a university, a further education college and a commercial organisation can come together for the benefit of each other and the region.”
Gary Young, KCOM’s executive vice president, said: “As well as keeping Hull and East Yorkshire at the forefront of the digital revolution, this centre of excellence will drive innovation, attracting more tech sector businesses to what is already a vibrant environment for new and emerging companies.
“Hull is becoming known as an important player in the UK’s tech scene and this data facility will bolster that reputation and stimulate the digital renaissance the city is undergoing.“
He added: “Through the development of this centre KCOM is consolidating the data needs from around the UK into Hull, showing confidence in the region and contributing significantly to the local economy.”
A planning application for the scheme has been lodged with Hull City Council. If approved, the data centre will be constructed on university land to the north of Inglemire Lane.
It is due to open for business in the autumn of 2018 and will also have the capacity to provide data centre and IT services to other academic institutions as well as public and private organisations across the region.