Outline consent given for data centre, which should create nearly 400 jobs

Proposals to build one of Europe’s largest data centres in the Humber region have secured outline planning permission.

The development, called Humber Tech Park, is intended for land near South Killingholme.

Once complete, the facility will be spread across 3,326,048 sq ft and will include three large buildings, offices as well as a horticultural glass house. There would also be generators, an electricity substation and car parking.

Humber Tech Park will be designed to “train” Artificial Intelligence (AI) models and is meant to address a growing need for data storage.

The applicant has said its plans represent an opportunity to secure a £2.2bn to £3bn investment in this area, which would assist with further diversification of the local economy into the digital economy.

It previously noted that the South Humber Bank area is a perfect location for a substantial AI training data centre, due to its large-scale energy supply from both North Sea gas and now offshore wind.

North Lincolnshire Council has said the data centre will create nearly 400 jobs and make the area “a leader in artificial intelligence (AI)”.

Council leader Rob Waltham said the development amounted to “a massive vote of confidence in North Lincolnshire’s economy.”

He also told the BBC: “This is an unprecedented investment in the area, and it will be a magnet for attracting other high-tech businesses to make North Lincolnshire their home,” he said.

“The 400 jobs would be highly skilled and highly paid, averaging around £50,000 a year for operational employees.

“This will mean residents from our area who usually need to move to the city to access this type of work will now be able to access these well-paid jobs in the technology sector on their doorstep.”