Work has commenced on the much-anticipated data centre at the Worcester Six Business Park for one of Europe’s largest data-hosting companies.
Property developer Stoford secured planning for a highly energy-efficient, cutting-edge facility of more than 50,000 sq ft for IONOS and its subsidiary UK brand, Fasthosts.
Sustainability is at the forefront of the development, with renewable energy being provided by solar photovoltaic panels, which cover the entire roof, while the wall and roof cladding uses Tata Steel’s Confidex Sustain to create a carbon-neutral building envelope.
Work is now well underway on site, with building contractor Benniman Construction anticipating completion of works in August 2021.
Edward Peel, Development Manager at Stoford, said: “We have made a really positive start to 2021, with works on the new facility for IONOS commencing within a few short weeks of planning approval from Wychavon District Council.
“We’ve been working closely with IONOS to get to this stage and are looking forward to delivering Wychavon’s first data centre. IONOS is a world-class business that has recognised the strengths of the Worcester Six Business Park, such as the strategic location and excellent infrastructure links.”
Councillor Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism at Wychavon District Council, said: “I’m delighted to see work start on this very exciting project. This is further proof that companies recognise Wychavon is a world class place to invest, grow and do business.”
Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “It is great news for the county as construction begins at IONOS’s unit at Worcester Six Business Park. It’s another clear and visual indication of the progress we have made in welcoming world-renowned businesses to Worcestershire.
“This development continues to strengthen Worcester Six Business Park’s reputation as a first-rate business location. It also provides Worcestershire with a highly valued asset, bringing substantial economic benefits for the county, and I look forward to seeing the business park continue to take shape.”
IONOS was established in 1988 and is the largest hosting company in Europe, managing more than eight million customer contracts and hosting more than 12 million domains in its regional data centres around the globe. The IONOS group operates in fifteen countries around the world and employs 3,500 people worldwide.
In the past three years, Worcester Six has welcomed Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal and Kohler Mira. Once fully developed, the business park will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation.
