Introduction to the Wycombe Film Studios Data Center Proposal

Plans for a new data center campus at Wycombe Film Studios, located near High Wycombe, UK, have emerged. The proposal, which has been submitted for approval to the Buckinghamshire Council by Wycombe Park Ltd, a subsidiary of Luxembourg-based SCIO Capital, includes plans to construct buildings up to 23.5 meters tall. This marks a significant shift in the potential use of the site, once primarily associated with film production, now being repositioned for high-demand data center infrastructure.

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What is the Wycombe Film Studios Data Center Project?

The Wycombe Film Studios data center campus is set to occupy a site that currently serves as a production facility for films and television. Originally slated for film studio development, the project has pivoted in response to “substantial market demand” for data center space and the “uncertain market conditions” facing new studio construction in the region. As data consumption and cloud services continue to grow, the UK has seen an increasing demand for modern data center facilities.

The newly proposed development will include six data halls, each spanning a vast 9,300 square meters (100,104 square feet). These state-of-the-art facilities will provide much-needed infrastructure to support growing digital economies.

Why the Shift from Film Studios to Data Centers?

The decision to repurpose the Wycombe Film Studios site for data center use aligns with broader industry trends. The global data center market has seen explosive growth, driven by increased demand for cloud computing, data storage, and high-performance computing. As a result, developers are increasingly exploring alternative sites for data centers, such as industrial estates and even film studio locations.

According to the submitted plans, the primary motivation for the shift is the greater demand for data center space compared to the challenges faced by film production studios. With the rise of data-driven industries and the need for edge computing infrastructure, this change in focus is in line with broader market needs.

Details of the Proposed Data Center Buildings

Building Specifications and Heights

The data center buildings are designed to rise to a height of 20.5 meters (67 feet), with the potential for additional rooftop plant equipment, bringing the total height to 23.5 meters (77 feet). This is a standard height for large-scale data center facilities, which require significant space for both equipment and operational needs.

The data halls will span a total area of 9,300 square meters each, totaling 55,800 square meters across all six buildings. This generous space is essential to accommodate the server racks, cooling systems, and network infrastructure needed for modern data center operations.

Site Layout and Landscaping

The plans indicate that the data center buildings will not cover the entire site. Instead, there will be a “step-down” design, which ensures that the buildings near the residential areas are of a reduced height to minimize their visual impact. Additionally, strong landscaping will be implemented at the edges of the site, providing natural screening and buffering between the data centers and surrounding properties.

This careful site planning aims to balance the need for large-scale data center infrastructure with considerations for the local environment and community.

Impact on the Local Area and Community

The data center project at Wycombe Film Studios is likely to have a significant economic and social impact on the region. With the increasing demand for data infrastructure, such a facility could contribute to local job creation, both during construction and once operational. Data center facilities often require skilled workers in areas such as IT, maintenance, and facility management.

Moreover, the site’s location near High Wycombe offers a strategic position for serving both local and international digital infrastructure needs. However, the development will be subject to close scrutiny to ensure that the local community’s interests, particularly regarding noise, traffic, and environmental concerns, are addressed effectively.

Similar Projects in Buckinghamshire

The Wycombe Film Studios proposal follows the approval of another significant data center project in Buckinghamshire. Earlier in December 2024, UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner granted approval for a 140MW data center development at the Court Lane Industrial Estate. This is part of a larger movement to prioritize the expansion of data center facilities in the UK, in line with government policies recognizing them as “critical national infrastructure.”

The Role of Data Centers in the UK’s Digital Infrastructure

The UK government has increasingly recognized data centers as essential to the nation’s digital economy. The government’s commitment to facilitating data center development is clear, especially as they are seen as vital to the functioning of industries such as telecommunications, cloud computing, and financial services. As part of ongoing reforms to UK planning laws, the government is working to streamline processes and potentially designate special zones for data centers to accelerate the development of this critical infrastructure.

In a recent report commissioned by the UK government, there was a recommendation to create such special zones to further support data center projects, ensuring that the country can keep pace with global technological advancements. By designating these facilities as essential, the government aims to remove bureaucratic barriers and fast-track approvals for new builds.

What’s Next for Wycombe Film Studios Data Center Project?

While the outline plans for the Wycombe Film Studios campus have been submitted, these are preliminary, and a more detailed specification will be shared in the coming months. The project is still in its early stages, and stakeholders will continue to evaluate the specific requirements and adjustments needed to bring the development to fruition.

It is clear, however, that the project represents a significant commitment to addressing the growing demand for data infrastructure in the UK. If approved, this campus could become a major hub for data processing and storage in the region, helping to bolster the UK’s position as a leading digital economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are data centers being developed at Wycombe Film Studios?

Data centers are being developed at Wycombe Film Studios due to increasing market demand for data infrastructure and challenges in the film industry, which has seen uncertain market conditions. The site offers a strategic location and ample space for such facilities.

2. What will the data centers at Wycombe Film Studios look like?

The data centers will be large, with buildings up to 23.5 meters tall, and they will be designed with a step-down structure to reduce visual impact on surrounding residential areas. Landscaping will also be added to further screen the buildings.

3. How will this data center project affect the local community?

The data center will bring potential job opportunities, particularly in IT, maintenance, and facility management. However, there may be concerns regarding noise, traffic, and environmental impact, which will be addressed in the planning process.

4. What are the benefits of the UK’s focus on data center development?

Data centers are critical to supporting the digital economy, powering cloud services, edge computing, and telecommunications. The UK government’s focus on developing data centers will ensure that the country remains competitive in the global digital landscape.