Vantage Data Centers has unveiled plans to transform a former Ford car manufacturing plant in Bridgend, Wales, into a significant data center campus. This initiative marks a major investment in the UK’s data infrastructure and is set to create numerous jobs and opportunities for the local community.
Transforming the Former Ford Plant: A Vision for the Future
In May 2024, Vantage acquired the 1.3 million square foot (120,000 sqm) site, which once housed Ford’s engine manufacturing operations. The plant, which opened in 1980, ceased production in 2020 after Ford shut it down due to declining demand for the specific type of engine it produced.
The site, located to the west of Cardiff, Wales’ capital, will be redeveloped into a state-of-the-art data center campus. Vantage’s plans include a multi-phase construction project, stretching from 2026 through to 2040, that will ultimately comprise 10 buildings and three substations.
The Campus Layout and Development Timeline
Vantage’s Bridgend data center campus will be developed over a period of 10-15 years. Although specific details about the buildings and technology to be used are not yet fully disclosed, the plans indicate that the campus will be built in phases, with the goal to reach completion by 2040.
The company is expected to submit its formal plans to local authorities in the spring of 2025, with construction set to begin early in 2026. This strategic investment will help address the growing demand for data processing power and cloud services in the region.
Commitment to Sustainability and Net-Zero by 2030
Vantage has pledged to make its Bridgend campus a sustainable and environmentally responsible facility. The company aims for the campus to be net-zero by 2030, powered entirely by renewable energy sources.
Additionally, the campus will be designed to use minimal water and will incorporate technologies that allow for the reuse of waste heat. This waste heat can be channeled into district heating networks, potentially benefiting surrounding areas by providing efficient, low-cost heating solutions.
Creating Jobs and Boosting the Local Economy
The redevelopment of the former Ford plant into a cutting-edge data center campus is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy. Vantage promises to create a range of high-quality jobs during both the construction phase and ongoing operations. These new positions will provide vital employment opportunities for the community in Bridgend and the surrounding areas.
Vantage’s Growing Presence in Wales
This project is part of Vantage’s broader expansion strategy in the UK. The company already operates a substantial campus in Newport, Wales, acquired when Vantage purchased Next Generation Data (NGD) in 2020. This campus, which was developed on the site of a former LG semiconductor plant, is set to total 2 million square feet (186,000 sqm) with 148MW of power capacity once fully built-out.
Microsoft Azure is one of the primary tenants at the Newport facility, which opened in 2010. Vantage’s increasing investment in Wales underscores the country’s growing role as a key hub for data center development in Europe.
The Legacy of the Ford Plant in Bridgend
The Ford engine plant was a pivotal part of Bridgend’s economy for over four decades, producing more than 22 million engines for brands like Ford, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover. Its closure in 2020 was a blow to the local workforce, but Vantage’s new plans offer a fresh start and a sustainable future for the site.
This redevelopment represents a major leap forward for the region, combining Wales’ rich industrial heritage with the cutting-edge technologies driving the global data center and cloud computing industries.
FAQ Section
1. What will the Vantage data center campus in Bridgend include?
The Bridgend campus will feature 10 buildings and three substations, with construction set to occur in phases over 10-15 years. The site will be powered by renewable energy and aim for net-zero emissions by 2030.
2. When will construction begin on the Bridgend data center campus?
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with full completion of the project expected by 2040.
3. How will the Vantage campus in Bridgend benefit the local community?
The development is expected to bring high-quality jobs during both construction and ongoing operations, contributing to the local economy and providing new employment opportunities.
4. What is Vantage’s sustainability commitment for the Bridgend campus?
Vantage has committed to making the campus net-zero by 2030, utilizing renewable energy, minimal water usage, and waste heat recovery for district heating networks.
5. How does the new data center campus fit into Vantage’s broader expansion plans?
The Bridgend development complements Vantage’s existing presence in Wales, particularly the Newport campus, which is a key data hub for Microsoft Azure.
