New AI data centre in North Lincolnshire will help 'diversify the local economy' if approved
If given the go ahead the centre on Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate could lead to around a thousand new highly skilled jobs
Plans for a new AI data centre in North Lincolnshire is part of wider plans to help 'diversify the local economy' according to the leader of the Council.
An application has been made to develop the site on land next to Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate - if approved it could lead to around a thousand new highly skilled jobs, investment in the local community, and a boost to business confidence.
Cllr Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said:
“This is another positive sign of confidence in our economy and in North Lincolnshire as a place to do business.
“We welcome the application and the potential this development has to create high-quality jobs for local people. Supporting growth in our area helps to attract new businesses while giving existing ones the opportunity to expand.
“It’s further evidence that the work we are doing to enable growth and create the conditions for private investment is delivering real results and better paid jobs for our communities.”
The application sets out proposals for a large-scale development comprising data centres, office space, energy infrastructure, and other supporting facilities across a phased development.
The park would represent an expansion of the existing industrial estate.
The total investment in the site could reach between £5.5 billion and £7.5 billion over the course of the development, which would be delivered in phases across several years.
During construction, the scheme could support between up to 5,100 jobs each year. Once fully operational, the site has the potential to create up to 1,200 highly skilled jobs, with average salaries around £57,000 per year.
Cllr Rob Waltham said:
"We have the backbone of our economy which is steel and I promise you we are not detracting from that - we want steel to have a really positive future for us in North Lincolnshire.
"But that said we also need to be growing the economy to other spheres so we are creating opportunities there."
The application is currently open for comments from the public.