The scheme at Wickford, being brought forward by developer Caineal, will be built out over seven years on land next to the A127 and Old Nevendon Road.
Work will be phased, with £500m spent on the main build and a further £500m on computer hardware fit-out.
The project involves building 27,000m² of data halls and offices built across a multi-level complex with two levels of IT halls, topped by three levels of offices, alongside a 4,500m² substation fed by underground power cables.
The project will support of the equivalent of 600 full time construction jobs each year across the programme.
Alongside jobs, the project delivers a 34.5-acre nature reserve extending the Nevendon Wetlands to preserve the green gap between Basildon and Wickford.
The facility will use a closed-loop cooling system to recycle water and minimise wastage compared with older data centres.
Councillor Jessica Power, cabinet member for jobs and skills, said the scheme would put Basildon “at the heart of the UK’s AI revolution.”
Construction will start once final planning conditions are discharged.
The professional team includes Arc MC Architects and civil engineer CPA Consulting Engineers.
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