Media Datacentre, a data center company established in 2023 by Gavin Watson and Simon Natella, has officially launched its first facility in the United Kingdom. Located strategically between Newbury and Basingstoke, the company aims to offer colocation and private cloud services, catering primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Facility Overview: Key Features and Specifications
Size and Capacity
The newly opened data center spans 225 square meters (2,420 square feet) and provides 0.3MW of IT capacity. It consists of one data hall with the ability to house up to 41 full-size (47U) racks, making it a compact yet efficient facility designed for specialized customer needs.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
The facility is equipped with:
- A three-phase power supply to ensure consistent energy delivery.
- Backup systems, including an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and an on-site generator, to guarantee uptime.
- Diverse-routed fiber connectivity, enabling robust and reliable network connections.
Tailored Solutions for SMEs
Media Datacentre differentiates itself by focusing on customized solutions rather than offering “off-the-shelf” services typical of larger providers. This approach positions the facility as a niche player in the market, addressing the unique requirements of SMEs.
Strategic Location: Close to Key Data Center Hubs
Basingstoke lies just 33 miles from Slough, a prominent data center hub in the UK that hosts major players such as CyrusOne, Vantage, Digital Realty, and Equinix. The proximity to Slough ensures access to a well-established ecosystem of connectivity and infrastructure while providing an alternative for businesses seeking a more personalized service.
Construction Timeline and Launch
Construction of the data center began in March 2024 and was completed within a year. In January 2025, the facility was officially unveiled via a LinkedIn post, which highlighted its state-of-the-art infrastructure and service offerings.
Industry Context: The UK’s Growing Data Center Market
The launch of Media Datacentre’s facility aligns with the UK government’s recent initiatives to support the data center industry. As part of the AI action plan, the government has announced £14 billion ($16.96 billion) in new data center projects, including AI Growth Zones designed to streamline planning approvals and improve energy grid access. These developments underscore the growing demand for data center services in the region.
FAQ: Media Datacentre and Its UK Expansion
What services does Media Datacentre offer?
Media Datacentre provides colocation, dedicated servers, virtual servers, private cloud solutions, and support for AI/ML workloads.
Who are the founders of Media Datacentre?
The company was founded by Gavin Watson and Simon Natella in 2023.
What makes Media Datacentre’s facility unique?
The facility focuses on delivering tailored solutions for SMEs, diverging from the standardized offerings of larger providers.
Where is the data center located?
The facility is situated between Newbury and Basingstoke in the UK, approximately 33 miles from the Slough data center hub.
What is the facility’s capacity?
The data center offers 0.3MW of IT capacity and accommodates up to 41 full-size racks.