Kao Data launches consultation on £350m Stockport data centre

The developer and operator has unveiled its plans to build a 40MW facility powered completely by renewable energy off Kenwood Road in Reddish.

Kao Data is asking for feedback on its proposals for the site at Kenwood Point, which it acquired in May from Mercia Real Estate. The consultation will run until 23 October and can be accessed at kaodata.com.

Kao hopes to submit a planning application late next month for the demolition of the existing 160,100 sq ft warehouse on the 10-acre Stockport plot to make way for the £350m data centre.

If approved, the centre would support the region’s scientific research, media enterprises, and local economic aspirations. It is estimated that the development could generate around £250,000 per year in business rates to Stockport Council.

In terms of sustainability, the developer’s plans call for the facility to be fully powered by renewable energy with backup generators to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil. There would also be an efficient cooling system implemented in order to enhance energy efficiency.

This project marks the first foray into the North for London-based Kao Data, which also operates data centres in Harlow, Slough, and Northolt.

Spencer Lamb, chief commercial officer for Kao, said: “Our new data centre in Stockport represents a significant milestone in our mission to provide cutting-edge, sustainable infrastructure to the Greater Manchester region.

“We’re excited to breathe new life into this site and support the future digital requirements of the North West”, he continued.

“This state-of-the-art data centre represents not only an important investment in Stockport, but an investment in Greater Manchester’s future digital infrastructure – supporting its technological research and economic ambitions.”

The project team includes consultants JLL and Cavendish.

Proposals for the Stockport hub come as Kao has received an investment boost from Infratil and Legal & General Capital. The two firms increasing their stakes in the company to provide streamlined ownership and additional funding to accelerate Kao’s growth across the United Kingdom.