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Blackstone has announced plans to build a £10 billion hyperscale AI data centre in Blyth, Northumberland, marking one of the largest data centre projects in Europe. Construction on the site is set to begin next year, transforming the area into a major hub for digital infrastructure.
The investment follows Blackstone’s acquisition of the land earlier this year, which had previously been earmarked by Britishvolt for an electric car battery factory before the company’s collapse. Blackstone’s plans for the AI data centre were approved last month, signaling the green light for the transformative project.
In addition to generating 4,000 jobs — with 1,200 of those allocated to the construction phase — Blackstone has committed £110 million to support local initiatives, including skills training and improvements to transport infrastructure in the region.
Jon Gray, President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, highlighted the UK’s appeal as an investment destination: “The UK is a top investment market for Blackstone because of its powerful combination of talent and innovation, along with a highly transparent legal system.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this sentiment, celebrating the investment as a major boost for the UK economy. “New investment, such as the one we’ve announced with Blackstone today, is a huge vote of confidence in the UK. It proves that Britain is back as a major player on the global stage, and we’re open for business,” Starmer stated.
The AI data centre is expected to play a key role in the development of advanced technologies and digital innovation, further enhancing the UK’s position as a global leader in AI and tech infrastructure.
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