Approval for £70m Bootle data campus
L51 Developments is to redevelop the former HSBC Data Centre on Bridle Road into a 180,000 sq ft tech hub following approval by Sefton Council.
The £70m project formed part of the Sefton Strategic Recovery Plan, published last November.
The creation of the campus will involve the refurbishment of two former HSBC data centres, forming a single 120,000 sq ft facility by constructing a 33,000 sq ft link building between two existing buildings.
The existing 36,000 sq ft office hub fronting Bridle Road will be retained and upgraded under the plans.
In addition, the project comprise a new-build 30,000 sq ft light industrial unit with ancillary office space. This three-storey element is to be located on a plot to the rear of the office hub once the existing 1960s structure has been demolished.
The 5.5-acre scheme is to be targeted at robotics and high-tech manufacturing uses.
Tim Groom Architects and Mather & Co are the architects for the project. Turley is the planning consultant.
Founded in 2019, L51 provides a range of technical facilities and services to clients seeking smart office environments. The company is headed up by directors Pa Nolan and Eddie Kilbane.
Kilbane is the chief executive and founder of Dataplex, an Ireland-based company that develops data centres across Europe.
InvestSefton, the council’s inward investment service, has worked with L51 to bring the scheme forward.
Construction could begin early next year.
Cllr Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and skills said: “Investment and development of this kind here in Sefton is absolutely critical to not just our borough, but to the whole of the Liverpool City Region’s digital infrastructure.
“As our ways of working are driven by technology more than ever before, it is vital that Sefton supports those who have the vision to create working environments that provide the best opportunities for job creation and business growth.”
