Mike Kane MP, representing Wythenshawe and Sale East, recently visited the newly constructed MCR2 data centre in Manchester. This peak of infrastructure development marks the start of a £500 million regeneration plan for Wythenshawe. During his visit, Mike Kane explored how MCR2 is poised to support local regeneration and bolster businesses across Manchester.
As a long-standing member of the community, Mr. Kane is particularly enthusiastic about the transformative impact of MCR2 and its role in regional growth. The project’s construction focused on employing local contractors to boost the economy whilst ensuring low environmental impact.
He remarked on the facility’s design, stating “It’s remarkable to see a project of this scale right at the heart of the community in Wythenshawe. This facility sets a new benchmark for sustainable, cutting-edge infrastructure while creating pathways to economic growth and wider opportunities for the region.”
Mr. Kane's tour highlighted MCR2’s eco-friendly approach. Datum carried out a voluntary carbon impact assessment as part of the construction process. Noteworthy strategies include installing efficient free cooling systems and leveraging heat exchange technology to aid local heating initiatives. Crucially, the backup generators rely on eco-friendly Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) rather than traditional red diesel.
With a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.25, MCR2 is an epitome of energy efficiency. It boasts state-of-the-art data halls fit for diverse clienteles ranging from SMEs to large enterprises, offering secure and flexible infrastructure options. The site is a fortress of security, integrating police-linked on-site facilities for ultimate protection and connectivity.
Matt Edgley, the COO of Datum Datacentres, underscored the broader impact: The facility symbolises their commitment to revitalising Wythenshawe, bolstering Manchester’s growth as a tech hub.
As a key step forward, MCR2 will act as a catalyst for economic growth and business attraction to the area. Its successful completion represents a milestone in sustainable development while opening growth opportunities for businesses nationwide.
At the project’s official launch in June, Jon Healy, Managing Director EMEA at Salute, shared his thoughts on the venture's positive regional impact and defined it as a much-needed support infrastructure for the region's growth.