Plans have been unveiled for a major gas-powered data centre on the site of Microsoft’s underused UK headquarters at Thames Valley Park in Reading, as developers seek to repurpose surplus office space to meet growing demand for digital infrastructure.
The proposed redevelopment, led by Arup and Hilson Moran, aims to address declining demand for traditional office accommodation while supporting businesses across the wider Thames Valley technology corridor.
Microsoft is not involved in the redevelopment plans and has confirmed it intends to relocate employees to the existing HERE building within Thames Valley Park by August 2027.
A public consultation on the proposals is scheduled to take place at Pearson Hall in Sonning, giving local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the scheme.
Data centres provide the critical infrastructure required to store, process and manage the vast amounts of data that power cloud computing, artificial intelligence and online digital services.
Developers estimate the project would support around 250 jobs during construction, with approximately 115 permanent full-time roles created once the facility becomes operational.
The proposed data centre would initially use natural gas-powered fuel cells to generate electricity while additional capacity is brought onto the national grid to support future operations.
A spokesperson for Microsoft said: “This move is part of our continued investment in the UK, ensuring our workplaces keep pace with how people work today and what teams will need in the future.”
The proposal comes as demand for UK data centre capacity continues to grow, with Slough Trading Estate widely recognised as Europe’s largest data centre hub.
The wider region is also seeing continued investment in digital infrastructure, with another major data centre in Slough receiving government planning approval earlier this year following a public planning inquiry.
