The proposed centre will measure 55,030m². Credit: Pinewood Group.

Pinewood Group has submitted an outline planning application for a £1bn ($1.3bn) data centre at the Pinewood South site in Buckinghamshire, UK.

The proposal, submitted to Buckinghamshire Council, involves a 55,030m² facility, a 60-acre nature reserve, and a six-acre community garden, along with learning space.

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This development aligns with the UK government’s designation of data centres in 2024 as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’.

The data centre is proposed within the Slough Availability Zone, recognised as a key strategic location.

Pinewood Group CEO David Conway said: “Our proposed plan for a data centre on the land to the south of Pinewood Studios is in alignment with the critical infrastructure needs identified by the government.

“The significant investment will bring jobs and additional benefits to the local community with the delivery of a nature reserve, community gardens and learning space.”

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Pinewood’s planning application has a target determination date set for the end of 2025. If outline planning consent is granted, Pinewood will submit a detailed reserved matters application.

In January this year, Pinewood announced a public consultation for expanding Pinewood Studios. The expansion includes production facilities and additional film stages alongside the data centre development.

This mixed-use development aligns with the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, focusing on digital technologies and creative industries.

The public consultation was scheduled from 25 to 27 February 2025 to engage the community in discussions about the site’s development options.

Commenting on the public consultation, Conway said: “The reduction in global content production, combined with rising construction costs and business rates, triggered a review of our existing planning consent and we believe the revised proposals provide a credible alternative.”