Irvine site well placed to attract data centres

A major exercise undertaken by Scottish Enterprise has identified the most suitable sites in the country – with the Irvine site coming out top in the very large site category and also in the overall rankings. The rankings were based on a wide set of criteria covering a range of incentives, ready access to large amounts of power, dual water supplies and connectivity to two fibre trunk routes, and other key factors looked for by potential investors.
Now further work is to be carried out to evaluate likely costs of ensuring the sites are well served with essential power and fibre optic.

Access to significant and cost-effective data and power solutions are vital in attracting investment from the sector. Irvine Enterprise Area contains a site well-suited to the sector in meeting the criteria, as well as offering valuable Government incentives which allow greater opportunities to invest in plant and machinery – ideal for capital intensive businesses such as data centres.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “We are working with our partners in Scottish Enterprise and North Ayrshire Council to market the site within the Enterprise Area to the data management sector.

“To have the site confirmed as the best site in the country is a very positive development, and we will continue to work with Scottish Enterprise to ensure that our site meets as many of the criteria the industry looks for as possible.”