Google Breaks Ground on $1 Billion Data Centre in Hertfordshire, Bolstering UK's Tech Economy
In a move that cements the UK's position as a leader in the global technology sector, Google has commenced construction on a new $1 billion data centre in Hertfordshire.
The project, based in Waltham Cross on a sprawling 33-acre site acquired in 2020, marks a significant expansion of Google's infrastructure in the region.
A Hub for Innovation and Technology
The data centre is poised to become a vital hub for powering Google's core services, including its ubiquitous search engine, Gmail, and Google Maps. One of the standout features of this facility is its commitment to sustainability. The centre will employ an air-based cooling system and incorporate a waste heat recovery system, showcasing Google's dedication to environmentally friendly practices.
Ruth Porat, Google's Chief Financial Officer, underlined the importance of this project. She stated, "The Waltham Cross data centre is our latest investment in the UK's thriving digital economy. It aligns with our ongoing commitments in the region, including our office developments in Saint Giles and King’s Cross, our research collaboration with the University of Cambridge, and the Grace Hopper subsea cable."
A Testament to UK's Tech Dominance
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hailed Google's investment as a testament to the UK's status as a technology powerhouse with immense growth potential. This sentiment was echoed by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, who noted, "Google's $1 billion investment is a vote of confidence in Britain as Europe's largest tech economy. It brings not only good jobs but also the infrastructure needed to support future industries."
Google's Growing Footprint in the UK
This development adds to Google's increasing presence in the UK. The company's first data centre in London, opened in 2017, was its second in Europe. Additionally, Lendlease is constructing a £1 billion office building for Google in central London, a 330-meter-long 'groundscraper' designed by Heatherwick Studio and Bjarke Ingels Group. In 2022, Google further expanded its real estate portfolio by purchasing the Central Saint Giles development near London’s Oxford Street for £871 million, refurbished by Morgan Sindall’s Overbury.
Looking Forward
The Waltham Cross data centre is more than just a technological undertaking; it's a symbol of the growing digital economy in the UK. As Google continues to expand its operations, the impact on the local economy and the tech sector at large is expected to be significant, promising new jobs and innovative opportunities in the region.
For more updates and insights on this developing story, stay tuned to our website.
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