Blackstone is a US real estate and private equity firm that owns QTS Data Centers, a major data center operator. Blackstone acquired QTS in 2021 and is now investing heavily in data center construction through QTS to support the growing world-wide demand for AI and digital infrastructure.
Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity
Following the approval of outline planning permission, Blackstone will build a £10 billion ($13.3bn) data center on a derelict industrial site in Northumberland. The development has been described as a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ – not just for the local area and the wider region- but the UK as a whole.
The state-of-the-art 10-building data center will be built on the site of a former coal-fired power plant in the village of Cambois, just outside Blyth and represents a significant inward investment for the county, one of the largest in the UK. The land had been earmarked for a battery production factory owned by the now defunct electric vehicle battery firm Britishvolt.
Blackstone announced last year that it had purchased the site, and the data center will be operated by its QTS subsidiary. Each data center building on the campus is set to provide 72MW of capacity, giving the site a total of 720MW.
The site was chosen because of its large scale, proximity to skilled labour, existing power infrastructure and potential for growth allowing Blackstone/QTS to develop a significant AI and cloud computing hub which will benefit from QTS's revolutionary water-free cooling system.
QTS Chairman and CEO, Chad Williams said: “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.”
Enabling works are expected to start in late 2025 with construction on phase one beginning in 2026. A further 4 phases will follow with the full site development to be completed in 2035.
Blackstone believe that the development will create more than 1600 jobs including 1200 long-term construction roles with a possible further 2700 jobs across the wider local area. In addition to this QTS has committed to boosting local technical skills via apprenticeships and internships and are supporting an employment and skills coordinator who will work with Northumberland County Council and local training providers.
QTS has also helped Northumberland County Council establish a £110m fund to drive long-term investment and will work with a range of local community groups and organisations to understand their needs and actively support them. They recently launched their ‘Better Together’ campaign with Blyth Spartans AFC and Ashington AFC to bring people together through sport and foster long-term community impact, along with a partnership with local mental health charity Anxious Minds.
“As we plan to develop our new site in Cambois, we want to ensure QTS is not just a responsible developer, but a trusted neighbour and long-term community partner. Better Together is our way of giving back to the communities we call home. We are proud to be supporting Anxious Minds, as well as Blyth Spartans AFC and Ashington AFC, contributing to building a stronger, more connected Northumberland.”
Check these stats out
£10b Investment
10 State-of-the-Art Buildings
720Mw Capacity
1600 Jobs
£110m Local Investment Fund
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