The planning go-ahead for first stage enabling works marks the first on-the-ground step for one of the UK’s biggest inward investment schemes.

QTS, owned by Blackstone, secured outline consent in May for up to 10 data centre buildings totalling 540,000 sq m, plus substations, emergency generators and ancillary structures.

Planned Cambois data centre complex

Consultant Arcadis advised on the first reserved matters approval, which covers Phase A enabling works and will roll out in stages over 16 months to autumn 2026 across a 54-hectare site.

This includes setting up compounds, vegetation clearance, perimeter fencing and extensive earthworks to prepare for the full campus build.

The 540,000 sq m data hub will use QTS’s closed-loop water system and is expected to generate 1,200 long-term construction jobs over the course of the phased construction programme.

The site lies just north of the village of Cambois and will be extensively redeveloped

The professional team includes London architect Corgan with Cundall providing civils, structural and MEP consultancy.

Northumberland council leader Glen Sanderson said: “This marks another significant milestone for QTS/Blackstone and all of Northumberland, and is another big step forward towards realising the massive benefits and opportunities this scheme will bring.”

The county will also benefit from a £110m fund linked to the project, earmarked for jobs and growth along the Northumberland Line corridor.

QTS co-CEO Tag Greason added: “The enabling works approval is a major milestone and the first visible step in delivering on our shared vision with the council.

“We remain committed to hiring locally, supporting training and economic growth, and being responsible, engaged members of the community.”