PLANS for a massive new data centre at the Worcester Six Business Park have been submitted, taking up nearly 40,000 sq ft.

Property developer Stoford submitted plans for a major data centre and if Wychavon District Council, gets the green light, work to build the nearly 40,000 sq ft data centre with almost half of this space being used for office accommodation, will begin later this year.

In the next few years, 10,000 servers will move from existing locations in Gloucester to Worcester Six. At the same time, the new data centre will have for expected growth as more businesses move applications into the cloud. IONOS aims to have the data centre operational by January 2022.

The development is on behalf of 1&1 IONOS Ltd, which provides web-hosting services and cloud solutions for small to medium enterprise businesses. Stoford have said it anticipates completion of the unit in summer 2021.

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Edward Peel, development manager at Stoford, said: "We are pleased to announce the submission of the planning application for IONOS, which in the current environment recognises the strength of the business park and continues the success we have experienced to date at Worcester Six.

"IONOS Ltd will join a raft of high-quality and global businesses at the business park, all of which have recognised the strategic location, excellent transport links and first-class workforce.

"We’re looking forward to getting started and delivering yet another prime unit.”

Cllr Richard Morris, deputy leader and portfolio holder for economic growth at Wychavon District Council, added: “I really welcome this exciting proposal which in these difficult economic times once again demonstrates how attractive Wychavon, and Worcester Six, is as a place to do business.”

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Cllr Ken Pollock, cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure at Worcestershire County Council, added: “We look forward to working with IONOS, as a potential new occupier of the Worcester Six Business Park.

"This news is testament to the teams who have worked tirelessly in the most difficult of circumstances to maintain the county’s extensive progress in the business development and growth area.

"This development not only solidifies Worcester Six Business Park as a first-rate business location but also provides Worcestershire with a highly valued asset, bringing substantial economic benefits for the county.”

In the past 18 months, Worcester Six has welcomed Marmon Food and Beverage Equipment, Siemens, Spire Healthcare, Kimal and Kohler Mira at Worcester Six. Once fully developed, the business park will provide 1.5 million sq ft of accommodation.