Global Technical Realty agrees first UK data centre facility
SEGRO has reached an agreement with European build-to-suit acquisition data centre platform, Global Technical Realty (GTR), to develop its first UK-based facility, which will become the largest data centre campus in the UK’s premier data centre and communications hub, located in Slough.
GTR – backed by leading global investment firm KKR – will be taking a 400,711 sq ft space for a 25-year term to operate bespoke data centres for high-growth global technology companies. The facility will support growing demand for third-party data centre provision amid ever-increasing growth in data usage and cloud services adoption.
SEGRO will tailor the design and develop the site to GTR’s requirements, which will comprise three independent data centres capable of operating individually, or as one interlinked campus.
The development will be delivered in two phases and should be fully operational by Q4 2022. The first phase will provide 132,575 sq ft of space, with vacant possession already achieved for start on site. The second phase will create 268,136 sq ft of space, with vacant possession of the site delivered to the customer by early 2022.
The project is expected to create around 200 jobs during construction and a further 80 permanent roles on completion.
Franek Sodzawiczny, CEO & Founder of GTR, said:
“We are excited to be back in UK alongside our partner KKR and look forward to working closely with SEGRO to deliver this state-of-the-art data centre campus.
“The data centre space is a fast moving one. GTR was established to support its customers in providing a data centre solution wherever in the world there is the demand for it. We are delighted that the UK will become home to our flagship concept.”
James Craddock, Managing Director, Thames Valley at SEGRO, said:
“Data centres are increasingly regarded as part of our key national infrastructure given the critical role they play in our daily lives.
“Home working, data streaming, e-commerce and businesses’ reliance on cloud services have all grown during the pandemic, meaning demand for data centres is unabated.
“Slough Trading Estate is home to Europe’s largest data centre cluster. We’re pleased to welcome GTR as the latest data centre operator to our thriving estate and our team of experts look forward to developing a stunning new facility for them and their customers.”
Slough Trading Estate is the largest privately-owned business park in Europe. Over one third of the estate is less than 10 years old, and it has a vacancy rate of just over 2%, with the remainder being leased to a mix of small and large businesses, across a diverse range of industry sectors.
Notes to editors:
About SEGRO
SEGRO is a UK Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Paris, and is a leading owner, manager and developer of modern warehouses and industrial property. It owns or manages 8.8 million square metres of space (95 million square feet) valued at £15.3 billion serving customers from a wide range of industry sectors. Its properties are located in and around major cities and at key transportation hubs in the UK and in seven other European countries.
For over 100 years SEGRO has been creating the space that enables extraordinary things to happen. From modern big box warehouses, used primarily for regional, national and international distribution, to urban warehousing and light industrial property located close to major population centres and business districts, it provides high-quality assets that allow its customers to thrive.
A commitment to be a force for societal and environmental good is integral to SEGRO’s purpose and strategy. Its Responsible SEGRO framework focuses on three long-term priorities where the company believes it can make the greatest impact: Championing Low-Carbon Growth, Investing in Local Communities and Environments and Nurturing Talent.
See www.SEGRO.com for further information.
About Global Technical Realty
GTR is a newly established build-to-suit and roll-up acquisition data centre platform. The company’s main focus will be on the design and construction of tailored and sustainable data centres for global hyperscalers looking to develop facilities primarily in key European markets. GTR’s management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive technical real estate experience and a proven track record in the data centre sector. For further information: www.globaltechnicalrealty.com