Driving digital transformation and social impact in the Northeast through one of the UK’s largest infrastructure investments

Enabling works are now underway at the QTS data centre campus in Cambois, Blyth. This centre is a transformative £10 billion investment that marks a major milestone for the UK’s digital infrastructure landscape.  

As Principal Designer for this ambitious development, Ridge is playing a pivotal role in delivering one of the largest inward investments in the UK. This project will see the creation of ten state of the art data centre halls, offering combined capacity of 720MW and an impressive internal area of 540,000 sqm. 

Hosted by QTS, a global leader in digital infrastructure, the enabling works commencement ceremony celebrated the start of site preparation works and the launch of a bold new vision for the region. The Cambois campus is the first new build data centre in the UK to be awarded National Skills Academy for Construction status by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which is a recognition of QTS’s commitment to workforce development and excellence in construction standards.  

 A catalyst for regional growth 

Beyond its scale and technical ambition, the project is set to deliver lasting social and economic value to the Northeast. The ceremony also marked the launch of QTS’s Social Value Programme, designed to address the region’s high economic inactivity and unemployment rates. Through targeted initiatives focused on employment, skills development, and environmental sustainability, the programme aims to create meaningful opportunities for local communities. 

We are thrilled to be part of a project that not only pushes the boundaries of digital infrastructure but also prioritises social impact. This development represents the kind of forward-thinking investment that aligns with Ridge’s values, combining technical excellence with a commitment to community and sustainability.”

 

Paul Heron, Partner at Ridge and Partners LLP