Data centre to be built in Borehamwood

The data centre will be built on the site of the former Sainsbury's frozen food depot in York Crescent, which is off Elstree Way.

The three-storey building is a joint project between Pure Data Centres and Panattoni and 117 jobs will be created on-site.

As part of the permission, two warehouses which were in the process of being built will be demolished - another large warehouse constructed recently will stay.

The former Sainsbury's depot. Previous to that, this site was MGM studios. Credit: Google Maps

A data centre is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. Data centres allow businesses to rent secure IT storage and processing space.

This data centre would contain servers and computing equipment to support the operation of the internet, along with 42 emergency back-up generators located at the rear of the site.

CGI of the data centre

Thirty-five permanent parking spaces will be provided along with 47 overflow spaces and as part of the permission, the applicants will work with Hertsmere Borough Council on a bike hire scheme - following a suggestion by Cllr Jeremy Newmark - which could come in conjunction with the nearby Sky Studios development.

Borehamwood councillor Glenn Briski said he "welcomed" the data centre, adding "this is exactly the type of development we need in Borehamwood".

A screenshot from the council meeting tonight. The top photo shows the warehouses to be demolished and below is another CGI of the data centre. Credit: Hertsmere Webcast

Members did share concerns about the loss of brand new buildings but seemed reassured that the vast majority of materials of the buildings to be demolished will be reused or recycled.

Concerns about noise were also raised but planning officer Max Sanders said there were conditions in a noise report that the applicants need to meet, and said residents in Elstree House will also be protected by a noise barrier.

However, there was clear support for the overall scheme and the application was unanimously passed.

Pictured is the Panattoni site in October last year. Some of the warehouses are now complete. Two will be demolished to make way for the data centre. Credit: Google Maps

The council's planning committee previously discussed this scheme in April but deferred the application due to some confusion about the number of jobs provided and a need for clarity on Section 106 conditions.