East Manchester data centre plans emerge to service AI boom

Latos Data Centres is readying plans for a 28,000 sq ft scheme on the corner of Bower Street and Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath.

The East Manchester project is one of 30 Latos is aiming to build in the UK by 2030.

The developer is also behind proposals for a smaller, £100m data centre currently under construction in Tees Valley.

Like that asset, the East Manchester scheme has been specifically designed to serve the growing demand for AI.

The project would be a “neural edge data centre” which are said to be faster than traditional cloud computing facilities and can bring “powerful AI computing closer to end users”, according to Latos.

The two-building development would be constructed on a three-acre brownfield site close to the Lowry Park industrial zone.

Andrew Collin, managing director, at Latos Data Centres said: “Manchester is one of the UK’s leading digital cities, and we are excited to be bringing forward proposals that would support its continued growth.

“Our ambition is to regenerate a vacant brownfield site and deliver a high-quality, sustainable data centre that operates to the highest environmental and safety standards. We are committed to being a good neighbour — designing and managing the facility carefully, listening to local feedback, and working closely with the community and the Council throughout the planning process and beyond.”

A consultation on the scheme, designed by Create Architecture, is now live and will run until 16 March.

View the consultation. 

Euan Kellie Property Solutions is advising on planning, CW Studio is the landscape architect, and SK Transport Planning is advising on transport matters.