Yondr Group gains approval for new data centre in Slough

Yondr Group has received planning permission to develop a third data centre at its London campus in Slough.

This addition will be situated on the site of a former paint factory, joining the first facility which was completed in July and a second one that is currently under construction.

According to the company, the project is part of Yondr's larger plan for a 100+MW capacity campus, enhancing West London's status as a significant data centre hub in Europe.

Yondr has collaborated with Slough Borough Council and the Canal & River Trust to create a design that aims to enrich the local environment. One key feature is a green wall installed on an independent structure, which will face towards the canal and serve as both visual and acoustic shielding. This initiative is a concerted effort to enhance biodiversity in the area and improve local aesthetics.

Additional landscaping is planned beyond the data centre site. Trees and shrubs that are in harmony with local plant species and wildlife will be planted, offering new walking and cycling routes for residents. These routes are intended to provide convenient cut-throughs, shortening journeys and encouraging more active travel options for the community.

The new facility will have a BREEAM 'Very Good' rating for its commitment to energy efficiency, aligning with Yondr's sustainability strategy and their 2030 target for Scope 1 and 2 carbon neutrality. Solar panels will be installed on the roof, and the facility aims to achieve industry-leading power utilisation efficiency (PUE).

Carl Fisher, Design Director EMEA at Yondr, expressed optimism about the project's environmental and community impact. "With the design for the third building on our London campus, we have taken learnings from the previous two buildings and considered challenges to develop an exceptional data centre design that will set the standard for environmental best practice in the data centre sector," said Fisher. "The design that has been approved will enhance the canal-side walks, protect the canal, and enhance both vistas and pedestrian/cycle access for local residents, while increasing data capacity with an energy-efficient and resilient data centre asset."

Peter Hill, Yondr's VP of Design & Construction EMEA, praised the collaborative efforts that made the project possible. "Our team's collaboration with our partners, Slough Borough Council and other stakeholders exemplifies what true excellence looks like. The seamless coordination and shared commitment to our vision have been pivotal in driving this project forward," Hill stated.