Google Secures Approval for Data Center Development at Former RAF Airfield in Essex, UK

Google has received approval for a data center campus at North Weald Airfield near Harlow, Essex, UK, from the Epping Forest District Council on December 10. The project involves demolishing existing structures to build two data center buildings, offices, internal roads, and parking, covering a total floorspace of 77,148 sqm, with 57,750 sqm dedicated to data center operations.

A 2,550 sqm substation will also be constructed. The development is expected to create 780 local jobs. Google acquired the 52-acre site in January 2024 for £88.4m ($118.4m).

The airfield, previously RAF North Weald, has historical significance from World War II and currently serves as a commercial airfield. This initiative follows Google's recent £5 billion ($6.81bn) investment plan in the UK and consideration for a campus in Teesside.