The Role of Data Centres as Community Partners

Data centres have the potential to be valuable community partners, offering significant benefits to the regions in which they operate. By prioritising environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and economic contributions, they can foster strong relationships with local communities. Their commitment to sustainability and engagement enhances their reputation as responsible neighbours, contributing to regional wellbeing and prosperity.

Architectural Opportunities and Community Integration

With thoughtful planning and community engagement, data centres can be designed to contribute positively to their surroundings, particularly in sensitive urban settings. Addressing potential concerns proactively and collaboratively ensures they integrate seamlessly into their communities and provide tangible benefits.

At Chetwoods we are currently involved in the design of over three million square feet of data centre projects across the UK. Innovation is central to our approach, incorporating principles such as carbon reduction, energy efficiency, circular economy practices, and enhanced social value. Our research into new typologies is informed by industry-wide input on the challenges, opportunities, and constraints within this rapidly evolving sector, including the potential for integrating data centres with other uses.

Sustainable Design and Innovation

Embedding sustainability from the earliest design stages is crucial in all architectural and construction projects. Chetwoods employs innovative strategies to optimise the sustainability and energy efficiency of data centres, setting an example in the community for responsible energy use and environmental consciousness.

Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact

Data centres are increasingly adopting innovative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. While they require substantial energy to operate, many are transitioning to renewable sources such as solar and wind power. Strategic partnerships with utility providers further enhance energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Enhancing the Urban Environment

Well-designed facades can revitalise neglected or underutilised areas, improving streetscapes, attracting residents and businesses, and stimulating investment. Data centres are no exception. At Chetwoods, we view facades as a crucial element in developing new typologies across urban landscapes. Our design teams explore how form and material choices can enhance sustainability while enabling the co-location of industrial, logistics, and data centre functions to create attractive, vibrant environments.

Community Engagement and Transparency

Data centres increasingly recognise the importance of fostering collaborative relationships with local communities. Transparent and inclusive consultation during design and planning builds trust and understanding, addressing concerns around resource use and environmental impact. Additionally, community-focused initiatives such as sponsorship of local projects, workforce development programmes, and technology training strengthen engagement and create long-term positive connections between data centres and the communities they serve.

A Model for Sustainable Development

We have recently secured planning consent for a major campus for Ada Infrastructure - the data centre platform of GLP Capital Partners (GCP) - in London’s Docklands. This will be one of the capital’s largest data centre campuses and an exemplar of sustainable urban development with a strong sense of community. It will play a key role in the area's strategic regeneration, incorporating significant public realm improvements to benefit local residents, workers, and students.

The design includes a multi-functional community building, enhancing the interface between the campus and the road frontage while providing flexible space and employment opportunities. This project exemplifies how data centres can be integrated into urban settings to create not only functional but also socially and environmentally beneficial spaces.

Robert De Jong, director at the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability at the University of East London (UEL), commented: “We are pleased to note the significant public realm improvements that will be of huge benefit to those who live, work and study in the local area because of the new data campus. These proposals are highly sustainable, in line with UEL’s own values, and have evolved to improve the design and architectural approach, as well as enhancing access to public space and the River Thames.”

Chetwoods Regional Director Louis Fantis who heads our data centre business team concludes:

"Data centres can be more than just infrastructure - they can be good neighbours. By embracing sustainability, energy efficiency, and local economic growth, they strengthen community ties and contribute to regional prosperity. Through sensitive design and responsible delivery, operations and active engagement, they enhance both their reputation and the wellbeing of the communities they call home."

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