Salamanca Group welcomes the decision by Northumberland County Council to approve the proposals submitted by QTS for the UK’s largest AI Data Centre Campus.
Salamanca Group welcomes the decision by Northumberland County Council to approve the QTS proposals for the UK’s largest AI Data Centre Campus. The decision will pave the way for QTS to progress in what has been described as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’.
The planning application submitted by QTS, a Blackstone-owned digital infrastructure leader in designing, building and operating sustainable data centres, sought the creation of a data centre campus totalling up to 540,000 square metres along with other associated works and structures. The new facility will use QTS’s industry-leading water-free cooling system. The state-of-the-art facility at Cambois will represent a significant inward investment of up to £10 billion, one of the largest in the UK.
The state-of-the-art facility at Cambois will represent a significant inward investment of up to £10 billion, one of the largest in the UK.
QTS has committed to boosting local technical skills with targets for apprenticeships and internships and the creation of a role for an employment and skills coordinator to work with the Council and local training providers.
It will also enable the Council to establish a £110m fund which will drive long-term investment, including in growth and jobs schemes in the economic corridor along the new Northumberland Line, which opened in December 2024.
Council leader Glen Sanderson commented: “This is a hugely significant day in Northumberland and one which will create massive benefits and opportunities across the region and the country. This proud corner of Northumberland will be home to one of western Europe’s largest data hubs – a multi-billion-pound vote of confidence in our county’s future. We can now look forward to work progressing as this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity takes shape in Northumberland.”
QTS Chairman and CEO, Chad Williams commented: “We are honoured to be granted this unique opportunity by Northumberland County Council. It is the first step in building a lasting partnership with the Cambois community. Together we will build the next generation of data centres, collaborating with the local community, training providers, and businesses. We are committed to this opportunity and dedicated to supporting the prosperity of the local area.”
Read more about the QTS data centre here.
Read more about our N3 case study here.
About Salamanca Group
Salamanca Group is a UK-based strategic investor, focused on investing in transformational opportunities that intersect real estate, energy, and infrastructure.
We stimulate economic uplift by creating sustainable employment opportunities for future generations in clean growth industries. We also address the need for quality homes and leisure environments, fostering long-lasting positive social impact.
We work with governments, investors, and local communities to accelerate strategic sites that align with our vision. Our experience and expertise underpin how we transform underutilised locations into globally competitive destinations.
Our work ensures that leading global companies are drawn to invest in the UK, establishing economic hubs that deliver sustainable employment for future generations while fostering long-term economic prosperity and growth.