North Lincolnshire Council has granted outline planning permission for the development of Elsham Tech Park, a proposed artificial intelligence (AI) data centre campus to be located adjacent to Elsham Wolds Industrial Estate.
The approval sets the stage for one of the largest AI-focused data centre facilities planned in the UK, with the project covering approximately 435 acres (176ha) of agricultural land.
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The council estimates that the development could secure up to £10bn ($13.3bn) in private investment throughout its lifetime.
Once operational, Elsham Tech Park is expected to create around 900 to 1,200 permanent skilled roles and support thousands of construction jobs during a phased build programme spanning about ten years.
Average salaries for permanent positions are projected to range from £55,000 to £61,000, exceeding both local and national averages.
Plans for the site include up to 15 large-scale data centre buildings with associated energy and cooling infrastructure.
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By GlobalDataThe facility is designed to achieve one gigawatt (1,000MW) of computing capacity capable of supporting advanced AI applications, cloud services, and high-performance data processing demands.
The scale of construction will require more than 100,000t of structural steel, providing opportunities for regional manufacturing and supply chain businesses.
A greenhouse complex will also form part of the site, using waste heat from the tech park’s cooling systems for agricultural production.
The planning approval outlines measures for local economic engagement, stipulating that at least 30% of build costs, excluding fit-out, will be sourced from businesses operating within a 30-mile radius.
This is expected to inject between £1.65bn and £2.25bn into the local economy.
The project includes provisions for an AI and Data Education Scheme delivered through a new multifunctional facility on-site.
Further plans detail the establishment of a regional AI Accelerator Hub intended to support start-ups, research activity and digital entrepreneurship.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 following a planning application submitted by Elsham Tech Park in 2025. The first phase is expected to be completed by 2029.
North Lincolnshire Council leader Councillor Robert Waltham said: “This will bring thousands of construction jobs, hundreds of highly skilled, high-paid long-term roles, and the chance to build a new industry right here in North Lincolnshire.
“This is a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity. North Lincolnshire remains a place where major industries choose to invest, grow and create jobs.”
The scheme aligns with both national policies under the UK government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and North Lincolnshire’s Economic Growth Plan covering 2023-28.
The site forms part of proposals for a broader network of AI-focused developments across Northern Lincolnshire, which council officers say could position the region as a UK and European technology hub.
The project also supports wider clean energy initiatives in the area through integration with district heating networks and links to projects such as Viking CCS and offshore wind developments.
